Ana
Clarke

Ana is a BA (Hons) International Business with Spanish final year student.

Tell me a bit about yourself

I am Ana, and I am studying BA (Hons) International Business With Spanish and I am now in my final year. I started at NTU during the pandemic, so my first year of university was not your typical experience. Having said this, NTU facilitated my learning and supported me throughout with one-to-one meetings to check in on how I was doing which was really appreciated.

I was overwhelmed when I moved away from home and from my friends and family, it felt very daunting. However, after a couple of weeks I soon settled in and got into the swing of things!

I am passionate about travelling and this is something I would like to pursue after graduating. I believe travelling is such an enriching experience and everyone should have the opportunity to experience different cultures.

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School?

Nottingham Business School (NBS) stood out to me because of the opportunities that they have to offer. Having not had the average university experience with the pandemic and studying abroad for two years, I was very grateful for the support I received, especially upon returning to NTU for my final year.

There are a number of unique events that NBS offers which I would recommend taking advantage of, most recently, the Living, Working, and Studying Abroad (LWSA) event held by final year students like myself. This opportunity pushed me out of my comfort zone, as I spoke to students and assessors about how they can increase their chances of securing placements through upskilling their CVs and utilising their LinkedIn profiles. The LWSA event taught me valuable group work skills and leadership skills, both of which I will continue to improve on throughout my time at NBS.

How would you rate the course facilities and why?

The course facilities are modern and well-equipped, and there are a number of dedicated spaces for collaborative work and independent study. Also, the library and online resources are extensive, offering comprehensive support for research and assignments. There's also plenty of opportunity to book library sessions and speak to academic mentors. All things considered, the university's well-kept and modern facilities have really improved my educational experience.

Did your course include any speakers or lecturers from the industry?

Throughout my time at NBS, there were a variety of guest speakers from different industries who inspired me to think about what it is that I want to do in the future, by providing useful tips and general advice. These interactions allowed me to gain valuable industry perspectives regarding the global business environment.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

My favourite thing about studying International Business With Spanish is definitely the opportunity to spend two years studying at the University of Valencia and also having the opportunity to carry out an internship where I was able to apply my knowledge and skills. This opportunity helped me grow as a person by pushing me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to build my confidence and also improve my Spanish speaking skills.

Have you had the option to personalise your course?

In my final year, I have opted to study 'Digital Customer Experience'. I chose this module as I wanted to diversify my skillset and learn something new, considering I have no background knowledge of this subject area.

Can you tell us a bit about your experience of studying / working abroad? Would you recommend it to other students?

I spent two years in Valencia, Spain, where I studied for a year and a half and then for my final six months, I did an Internship. I would recommend studying/working abroad as it offers a unique opportunity for personal and academic growth. It expands your horizons, gives you exposure to many cultures, and encourages independence. In addition to improving your education, the experience gives you important life skills, flexibility, and a global perspective, which are all attributes that are highly valued in the world of business today.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Historic, vibrant and bustling!

How have you found Nottingham as a student city?

Nottingham is a great student city! There is always something going on and there are lots of great shops and cafes that are brilliant to study in and also offer delicious food options. There are great transport links available, with buses, trams, and the railway station nearby.

Did you find it easy to make friends at NTU?

Although making friends at uni can be difficult, at NTU the welcoming atmosphere and diverse student community made it simple to connect with like-minded individuals, creating a supportive and enjoyable social environment throughout my university experience.

What did you think of the support available at NTU?

The staff are brilliant. They are always happy to help with any queries that you have, and always offer excellent advice. Overall, the university's extensive support system which offers a range of services, has helped me throughout my academic journey at NTU.

What's next for you after NTU?

I aim to take the skills and knowledge that I've gained whilst studying at NTU and apply it whichever career path I decide to take in the future. I believe that the nature of the International Business course equips students with attributes and skills that allows for many opportunities in the wider world. Hence, I see myself working across the world, learning new languages and about new cultures.

Has the employability helped you plan for life beyond NTU?

The employability team are excellent! Since returning from my studies in Spain, I have felt lost regarding my future career path, and somewhat pressured to know exactly what I want to do. However, the employability team ensured me that it is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of. Since returning, I have attended careers appointments and been provided with lots of useful tools and advice and I now have a rough idea of the trajectory of my journey after graduating.