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This course gave me practical experience, not just someone speaking at me in a lecture theatre.
Choosing USW for a More Practical Experience
My interest in business started through A-Level Economics, especially the micro side where you focus on people, behaviour and organisations. That developed into a passion for human resources once I started my degree. I chose USW after experiencing a different university environment where lectures felt one-sided and disconnected. At USW, the emphasis on practical experience and smaller, more personal classes really appealed to me. My course leader knows who I am and what I’m interested in, which makes a huge difference to how supported you feel.
In second year, I completed a placement at New Directions, a company that supplies teachers and qualifications. I worked in the HR department on real projects, including a major salary benchmarking exercise and benefits comparisons with similar organisations. That experience helped me see how the theories we learn in class translate into real HR decisions and strategy. On campus, I’ve also made good use of the careers service and joined societies like USW Golf, which has added a social and community element alongside my studies.
Find your courseSkills, Confidence and What Comes Next
Group work has been a big part of the course and has developed my patience, teamwork and communication skills. You don’t always get to choose who you work with, which is very similar to real life, and it forces you to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. My final project has also become a highlight because it lets me tailor my work to my specific interests in HR and the world of work.
In the future, I’d like to build a career that keeps me close to HR and people-focused roles, using both the academic knowledge and practical experience I’ve gained. My advice is to take full advantage of everything USW offers – from careers support to societies – because those extra opportunities are what turn a degree into real direction.
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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.