Shammah is studying Business and Management with a Year in Industry and is one of our wonderful Student Ambassadors. Read about her experience of studying at Kent Business School.
What has surprised you the most about studying at Kent Business School?
What surprised me the most about KBS is the relentless support from staff and the numerous facilities and services available. Coming to university there is a misconception that it is 100% you on your own and that there is not much help from the uni or staff. But at KBS I found that doors are always open, and staff want to see the best from you and will do what they can to help.
What do you love the most about studying Business and Management?
I love the variety of modules and topics we explore. As someone who enjoys various topics and wanting a holistic view of the business environment, this course was perfect. We have been able to study marketing, economics, project management, ethics, product design, accounting and more. The course covers different topics that are all relevant and intertwined. As well as this, we learn the attributes and skills necessary to thrive in a business environment throughout leadership and employability modules, including teamwork, communication and decision making.
You have completed a Year in Industry as part of your degree. Can you talk to us about what this was like and how it will help you when move into a career?
I completed my year in industry at Balfour Beatty plc, as a Business Improvement advisor. The experience gave me the opportunity to apply the theory I learnt in stages 1 and 2 in a real-life capacity. Whilst on placement, I gained many transferable skills such as confidence, teamwork, collaboration, commercial awareness, leadership and more. This experience will improve my employability skills because I am now more confident in my abilities and have more insight into how to act in a corporate environment. During the placement year, I had check in calls with KBS who ensured I was getting everything I needed to out of my experience.
Tell us about your social life at Kent.
I was a part of the Business Start-Up Journey in my first year and this was a great opportunity for me to enhance my entrepreneurial skills and learn how to start a business. As well as this you can meet many different people from other courses and learn from them.
Living at Pier Quays also enhanced my social life as I met many of my friends through my flatmates, we often spend time together baking, cooking, having games nights and going out together.
What do you wish you knew before you started at Kent Business School that could have helped you prepare?
One thing I wish I knew before starting at KBS is that there is support not only from your academics but for your health, wellbeing and finances. Being new to university and living away from home is an unparalleled experience with ups and downs. Some people may find it difficult to be financially stable and budget, whilst others may not know how to cook for themselves. Also, some can find university incredibly lonely especially if they are introverted, so it would be beneficial for them to be aware of the support systems available.
Where do you want your degree and experience to take you after you graduate?
I plan to focus on marketing and social media because I feel that my skill set is best suited to this area, and I have a passion for social media marketing. As well as this I plan to run numerous businesses including an events company and clothing line.
Tell us about your experience of being a student ambassador for KBS.
I applied to be an ambassador because I have had a unique, positive, and interesting experience at uni and wanted the opportunity to share that with the younger generation. I also had an amazing experience on placement and wanted to encourage others to explore this option. I have taken part in Open days and Applicant days. Being a student ambassador has developed my skills in leadership, confidence, teamwork, and planning. These will help me in future and life in general as being able to work in a team is critical in the workplace. Being confident in all aspects of life is important.
Interested in studying BSc Business and Management with a Year in Industry?
Interested in becoming a Student Ambassador? Find out more here.