Laura Smith
Alumna
- Course
- International Business BSc
- Subject area
- Business, Management and Marketing
I was attracted to study at Loughborough because of the outstanding student community and vibrant campus life, illustrated by the positive experiences shared by current and former students. Their enthusiasm and satisfaction really stood out to me when researching universities and it reassured me that Loughborough would be a place where I could thrive both academically and socially.
I chose to study International Business because it applies a wide range of key topics that are relevant to the modern global economy. I wanted a course that would challenge me, offer diverse career opportunities, and help me develop skills that are valuable across industries. The reputation of Loughborough’s Business School, along with its incredible facilities and campus life, made it the ideal place to study.
Studying at Loughborough Business School has been a really positive experience. There’s a strong sense of community, with dedicated spaces to study and opportunities to take part in social events like communal breakfasts and dinners, so it’s easy to feel connected. The Business School also offers great opportunities, including insightful guest lectures that provide real-world perspectives and regular networking events that help build professional confidence. It’s a supportive and engaging environment that makes a real difference to your learning experience.
I was motivated to take on a placement year because I wanted to gain practical experience in a professional environment and explore career options in the financial sector. I secured a role at Volvo Financial Services as a Financial Solutions Intern, which aligned well with my interests in business and finance.
The placement gave me the opportunity to work on multi-million pound deals and build strong relationships with customers and dealers. It developed my skills in communication, teamwork and problem-solving, significantly increasing my confidence. The experience confirmed my ambition to pursue a career in financial services and gave me a clear direction for the future.
I was well supported by Loughborough throughout the placement process with CV writing clinics, mock assessment centres and careers fairs all helping me to prepare and succeed.
One of the stands-out features of my course is the wide range of module options available, which allows you to tailor your learning to your interests and career goals. There’s a good balance between exams and coursework, which keeps the assessment varied and engaging. The teaching is highly supportive, lecturers are approachable, and tutorials are available to help deepen your understanding of key topics.
The course also offers a strong mix of theoretical learning and real-world application. I particularly valued the opportunity to take part in live business projects, such as the Creative Exchange, where I worked with a local business on their social media marketing strategy. In addition, the option to take a placement year or study abroad adds even more value to the course. The Business School also provides excellent learning resources and academic writing support, which really helps with both assignments and overall development.
Sustainability-oriented modules are incredibly important because sustainability is now a core expectation for businesses across all sectors. Including these topics in the course shows that Loughborough is keeping its content relevant and forward-thinking, preparing me for the real challenges organisations face today.
One topic that stood out to me was Digital Decarbonisation, taught as part of the Managing Big Data module by Tom Jackson. It explored the environmental impact of AI and data storage in business, and how digital innovation can be used to reduce carbon emissions. The module was both insightful and practical, helping me understand a major real-world issue and how businesses can take meaningful action.
What I learned from this module proved incredibly useful in my graduate job applications. I was able to talk about digital decarbonisation in my interview, which helped me stand out and show my awareness of emerging sustainability challenges in the digital space leading to me securing my dream graduate job.
My time at Loughborough Business School has massively enhanced my graduate employment prospects. The course itself has equipped me with a solid foundation of business knowledge and key transferable skills, ranging from data analysis and communication to problem-solving and teamwork. Modules like Digital Decarbonisation and business projects gave me valuable real-world insights that I was able to speak about confidently in graduate interviews.
The support from Loughborough’s Careers Network and the Business School was exceptional. CV clinics, mock interviews, assessment centre preparation, and career fairs all helped me feel well-prepared and stand out in competitive application processes.
Loughborough also offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, which have been a really rewarding part of my university experience. I took part in a project supporting people with dementia, where we did arts and crafts and memory-stimulating activities. It was incredibly meaningful and gave me the chance to make a real difference in the community.
Overall, every aspect of my Loughborough experience has helped me grow personally and professionally and I feel ready and excited to take on the next step in my career.