/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/04-profiles/41-undergraduate-student/profile-business-jasmine-brough-753X1006.jpg)
I had a placement with Tilbury Douglas, taking on professional tasks and experiencing a business environment.
Finding My Path at USW
I didn’t arrive at university with a burning passion for business – in fact, I chose Business and Management partly because I wasn’t sure what to do. Over time, though, the course has opened my eyes to how many directions a business degree can take you in. I chose USW because it was local, convenient and offered a course that seemed to fit what I was going through at the time. The lecturers are friendly, approachable and supportive, which made it easier for me to engage even when I was unsure of myself.
One of the biggest turning points for me was my placement with Tilbury Douglas, a construction company in Swansea. It became my favourite part of the course, giving me a real taste of the professional world. I worked four days a week, sat in on meetings, took on professional tasks and learned how to carry myself in a business environment. That experience boosted my confidence, improved my communication and helped me understand what it means to be professional day to day. It also opened the door to a paid summer placement and ongoing industry contacts.
Find your courseGrowing in Confidence and Looking Ahead
On campus, I’ve mainly used the library as a base for research, quiet study and group work. Some of my favourite moments have actually been group assessments, especially a presentation project where we spent weeks preparing a detailed PowerPoint and then presented it in person. It was overwhelming at first, but by the time we delivered it, I felt a real sense of achievement. Being pushed into group work has helped me come out of my shell, listen to different perspectives and get used to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
Looking ahead, I’m exploring postgraduate schemes and considering routes such as quantity surveying and opportunities in the construction sector, while keeping my options open. My advice to anyone thinking about studying business at USW is to do it, stay open-minded and don’t let group work or meeting new people put you off, because those experiences are exactly what will build your confidence.
Employability and Careers/prod01/channel_2/media/university-of-south-wales/site-assets/images/03-courses/business-and-management/course-business-and-management-business-clinic-42261.jpg)
Interested in Business and Management?
Our business degrees will teach you about all aspects of how a successful business is run and you'll develop skills in people management, decision making and negotiation.