Omar
Bilgin Mawson

Omar is a second-year student on the BA (Hons) Business course and is going into his placement year.

Why did you choose NTU, NBS and your course?

"Regarding my choice of NTU, I saw that they had great Thai Boxing and BJJ clubs. Once I recognised that I was sold on coming here. In terms of my course, studying BA (Hons) Business enabled me to encounter a range of different business functions, from marketing to entrepreneurship, further allowing me to gain a wider understanding of business, before I chose a field to specialise in."

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School?

"Truly, it’s the number of extra endeavours to engage with beyond your core studies! Whether it be the Institute of Directors’ £10 Challenge, Enactus, The Entrepreneurs Club, there are a variety of enriching opportunities within NBS! Through these, you can meet like-minded, passionate individuals and you can enhance your employability."

How would you rate the course facilities and why?

"Certainly, it’s 10 out of 10! On the BA (Hons) Business course, you have all of the material you need to succeed. Even during COVID, this was the case. Additionally, all teaching staff are highly responsive. Therefore, if you’re unsure about anything, you have access to expert advice! Honestly, the only thing that can hold someone back on this course is not using their initiative."

What is your favourite thing about your course?

“Primarily, it’s having the opportunity to do a work placement. Employers recognise the value of having professional experience, therefore having a placement is invaluable once you’re competing in the labour market. Additionally, working for a prestigious company enhances your self-confidence, particularly your faith in your technical abilities. I assure you, if you have done a placement, people in your final year can tell.”

Have you been involved in the CERT Mentoring Scheme? If yes, what has this role involved? What did you enjoy about it and how has it benefitted you?

"Yes, I was a CERT Lead Mentor during Y2. It was a great opportunity! I met a number of passionate people, making the work fun! Additionally, I developed a variety of skills, having organised events and mentoring students. Overall, it’s a fulfilling endeavour within which you can help people and make friends for life."

Have you had the option to personalise your course and experience at Nottingham Business School? How has this benefitted your studies?

"Yes, in my second and final year, I can choose topics from optional modules. Doing so enables me to have control over the skills I wish to develop. For example, I wanted to enhance my Business IT skills, so I chose the Digital Entrepreneurship module in Y2. It was exciting to develop a business and learn how to bring it to life, using professional methodologies."

Have you had the opportunity to get involved in any volunteering projects? If so, what did this involve and how did you benefit from getting involved in this?

“Yes, in my first year I was a Team Leader in the Institute of Director’s £10 Challenge. Creating the venture “KO Cancer”, my Team and I achieved Runners Up and received the Most Innovative Idea Award, featuring in a number of articles. Overall, this experience built my confidence, leading me to continue taking on new experiences throughout the university, such as being an HR Coordinator within Enactus NTU.”

Did you gain any work experience during your course? IF so, can you tell us whether it was a placement year, internship or another opportunity? What have you enjoyed and what the benefits have been?

“Whilst writing this, I am coming to the end of my second year. However, I have secured an HR placement with BMW Group UK, beginning in my third year. Overall, I am confident this experience will strengthen my confidence and develop my professional skills.”

Have you used the services of the employability team during your time at NTU? If so, what help did they provide and how have you benefitted from it?

“Yes. Whilst applying for placements, I used every resource available on NTU employability. The most useful tool was the CV developer. When using it, I always made it past the CV/cover letter stages of application processes. Additionally, there were a number of interview skills seminars that were key to my securing a placement with BMW Group UK. Like I said, when rating NTU, the university offers every possible resource you could need.”

What do you think of the support available at NBS and NTU? Think of both your course staff, student support, the employability team and global lounges.

“Having been a Lead Mentor and CenSCE Panel Member, I can assure anyone that NTU is consistently striving to improve their support networks. Relating back to what I always say about NTU resources, there are so many! Look for them and you will find them.”

What's next for you after NTU?

“After I graduate, I plan to pursue a Master’s in HRM. Following my postgraduate study, I aspire to be a consultant within EY’s People Advisory Services team. From then on, it’s focusing on my career and starting a wonderful little family.”