1. International Student Magazine
Volunteering at the
Olympic torch event
Reflecting on a year
with Microsoft
Financial Times
visits Northampton
Business School
MBA Partnership in
Vietnam

2. Welcome from the
E xecutive Dean
0 overseas students to
We are delighted to welcome over 100
each year from about 65 different
Nor thampton Business School (NBS)
rnational flavour and global
countries giving the school a truly inte
y all the facilities and services of
perspective. Overseas students enjo
i-graduate student survey tells us
the University and the town and the
with us. As Executive Dean of
they very much enjoy their experience
rnationalisation of the whole
NBS, I am also responsible for the inte
at the core of everything we do.
university so overseas students are
and staff alike in Nor thampton
It’s such an exciting time for students
numbers yet again this year, a
Business School. With record student
our new student hub, we are
dozen new staff and the opening of n
e again the school’s teaching has bee
looking forward to ma ny individual and team successes. Onc out of all UK business
(2011) which placed Business 18th
laimed in the National Student Sur vey sting heavily
acc third priority and, as such, we are inve
schools. Stud ents are our first, our second and our vities, social
learning, employment orientated acti
in our student cen tred facilities, technology enhanced duates from the school last
social and learning experience. Gra
enterprise and the broader student have chosen to
panies while increasing numbers also
summer have secured jobs in multiple top com a vibrant and
study. NBS is increasingly becoming
undertake a one year student placement during their and par tners from around
school with students, business clients
exciting, truly international business
the world.
@ianbrooks6
Comments
Featured in
this edition...
Would you lik
e to commen
on any of the t
stories
featured in th
is edition of
BusinessWise
In Focus – Tambu Mangezi P.5 for the next is
? Got an idea
sue? Let us
s P.6 know –email
Developing global entrepreneur businesswis
e@
northampto
n.ac.uk
Volunteering P8
A Gorgeous placement in LA P9
Published by Northampton Business School. T. 0044 1604 892036 E. businesswise@northampton.ac.uk
Editors: Hayley Hunter and Michelle Smith. Design: Stamp
www.northampton.ac.uk
Every effort has been made to ensure that all of the information contained in this edition of Business Wise is correct a the time of going to press.
Please note that The University of Northampton accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements in this and other marketing publications.

3. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 2
Supporting students through the
Pre-Sessional Academic English course
Most people enjoy being part of something and learning takes place in classrooms in their own aim of studying a Masters in Management. She
get a sense of achievement when they complete cultures is worlds apart from what we consider to now believes she will be able to complete her
a task or fulfil an aim. For students joining the be best practice in the UK. The way students and studies with NBS.
Pre-sessional Academic English course, the lecturers interact in Britain can be a surprising
challenges they face, and the bigger picture that if not daunting experience, certainly giving There are also opportunities for students to
they have to integrate into, are much greater as feedback to a tutor can feel far from comfortable engage in social activities and take part in the
they must do all this in a language and culture for a student even when they have been assured wider community. Students this term have really
which are not their own, and are often vastly it’s the right thing to do. displayed their community spirit by holding
different to their own. charity events, featuring authentic Chinese
Many students do succeed in raising their games, food and crafts through which they have
Pre-sessional students have often studied English language levels and become familiar with British successfully raised money for national charities.
in their own cultures for quite extended periods university working practices and it is always a It was heart-warming to hear one student
of time, yet their arrival at the University of pleasure for tutors to see students going onto comment, ‘ It’s our pleasure to do so!’
Northampton might sometimes be their first the next part of their educational journey. Last
opportunity to engage in daily life and to study year’s students said that not only did they learn
within English culture. Their challenges extend English, but they also learnt ‘the British way
from actually getting the haircut or the sandwich of thinking.’ Xiaoli Qin came to Northampton
filling they want to getting the academic grade Business School through a partnership with
they need. Each day involves meeting challenges her Chinese institution to join the International
and achieving in some aspect of English life. Marketing course. Since studying Pre-sessional
English, she feels that ‘this school environment
Often the education that international students is very suitable for me to study further.’ Fu Ying
have been used to and the way teaching and came to Northampton from Mongolia with the raising funds for
Children in Need
QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING AT
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON
WILL I GET A JOB WHEN I FINISH MY STUDIES? part-time while you study or graduate opportunities. Current VISA
By gaining a UK qualification your chances of gaining employment regulations allow most international students to work for up to 20
are significantly improved. The skills and competences that you gain hours per week while they are studying.
by studying with us will give you a great head start when you begin
your job search. WHAT IS THE SOCIAL LIFE LIKE AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON?
WILL THE UNIVERSITY HELP ME TO FIND A JOB? The University of Northampton is a campus-based university. This
We have many services in place that will help you to find a job. The means that you can benefit from living and studying in a safe and
Centre for Employability, based in Northampton Business School, friendly environment. On-campus facilities include shops, restaurants
offers you the following services: and cafes, banks, sports facilities and our Students Union. The SU
organises regular events for students and offers a number of social
Employability skills development spaces for students to meet up, make friends and relax. There are a
wide variety of student-run clubs and societies for you to get involved
Business mentor schemes
with, as well as various sports clubs that you
Practice interview sessions can join.
Networking events
CAN I LIVE ON CAMPUS?
Presentations from employers
The University has a range of accommodation available on both of
Core skills improvements our campuses. As an international student you will be guaranteed
a room on campus for your first year of studies if you apply in good
We also hold regular events such as our annual Careers Fair where time. Our options include single and shared rooms, en-suite and
you will have opportunities to meet prospective employers. Our shared bathrooms and female-only accommodation. There is also
online jobs database can help you to search for vacancies, whether plenty of private accommodation available in the local area if you do
not wish to live on-site.
The University of Northampton has We regularly visit our representative’s
a number of officially appointed offices to make sure they are fully up-to-
representatives around the world. These date with the latest developments at
International representatives will be able to assist you the University.
Agents
in choosing the right course for you, the
application process, and any help and To see a full list of our
guidance you may need. international agents scan me .

4. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 3
international
connections
Practical Wisdom for Management
from the Islamic Tradition
Nadeem Khan and Ouarda Dsouli (Postgraduate The University is located in the small town of Prof. Theodore Roosevelt Malloch and Prof.
Researchers of NBS ) presented the paper : Ifrane, in the middle atlas region of Morocco (at Habisch (EABIS) highlighted the importance of
Spiritual Capitalism: The co-evolution of an 5000ft altitude) and is known as little Switzerland virtues in business and thanked delegates for
ethical framework based on Abrahamic Values, as it has an alpine climate and ski-resort. attending.
at Al-Akhawayn University, Ifrane, Morocco.
Prof. Kakabadse contributed to the paper but The opening address given by Prof. Ouaoucha,
was unable to attend. Islamic Values and Ethics (President of Al-Akhawayn University) and
were adopted to critically analyse Corporate Prof. Lenssen (President of EABIS) was followed
Governance Systems of Islamic, European by keynote speaker Prof. A.Toufiq (Minister
and Anglo-American countries before making of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs,
recommendations for improving the Anglo- Morocco). There were 14 presentations during
American Capitalistic System. This conference is the two days which covered Leadership; Banking
part of a series of conferences taking place on and Finance; Management Practices; Human
Business Virtues from various religious traditions Resource Development and Spiritual Values and
(e.g. Jewish, Islamic, Christian and Confucianism). Culture from an Islamic Perspective. Research
Leadership promoted
at European conference
Linda Lee-Davies, Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour and HRM,
Northampton Business School, was invited to present her latest paper on leadership
at the European Conference for Management, Leadership and Governance held
at the SKEMA Business School, France. The paper was peer reviewed as ‘excellent’
and proposed a new leadership model for Leadership Longevity for changing
and volatile times. The model, which was drawn from six other leadership papers
already published by Linda, was well accepted and praised.
Linda commented, “It was great to receive intellectual input from 80 academics, not
just from Europe but from every part of the world, and see our work here at NBS
stand strong on an international stage. I also received valuable advice on how to
approach my PhD thesis and found many senior academic leaders very interested
indeed in my more modern, commercial approaches within the University setting.”
Working with Strategic HRM in Beijing
Eastern Asia University
in Bangkok Dr Izabela Robinson, Programme
Leader for MA HRM and PG
Ross Thompson, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for the BAM Diploma HRM has just returned
Top-Up Degrees , spent five weeks working as a visiting professor from visiting Capitol University
at Eastern Asia University (EAU) in Bangkok (Thailand). Ross of Economics and Business in
spent his time teaching the local students, working with EAU staff, Beijing where she delivered a
meeting educational agents, visiting schools and educational fairs. series of lectures to
Ross found the trip invaluable – apart from the heavy rains – and undergraduate, postgraduate
feels the experience has benefitted him greatly in terms of cultural and PhD students on the topic
understanding and sensitivity. Ross has been helping to finalise an of Strategic HRM and the
agreement with EAU which will allow their students to study for one contribution of SHRM to
year in the UK and receive a dual Bachelor’s degree award. organisational performance.

5. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 4
University of
Northampton
launches MBA
delivery in
partnership with
Vietnam National
University
Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor, and Dr Ian Brooks, Executive As part of these celebrations NBS signed a progression agreement
Dean, Northampton Business School travelled to Ho Chi Minh City which enables students from the Centre for International Education
in Vietnam to meet with prospective higher education partners from to gain advanced entry onto a number of NBS undergraduate and
Vietnam National University (VNU). postgraduate programmes. In October 2011 NBS began welcoming its
first students from the Centre for International Education onto courses in
Professor Petford, signed a ‘Memorandum of Cooperation’ with Vietnam Northampton.
National University, recognising plans for the joint delivery of The
University of Northampton’s Master of Business Administration (MBA) Ian Brooks, Executive Dean of Northampton Business School,
programme in the country. commented:
The visit to Vietnam, hosted by Dr. Truong Quang Duoc, Vice “Vietnam National University is one of the most highly regarded
Rector of VNU, builds upon previous meetings with The University universities in Vietnam. The agreement to deliver The University of
of Northampton, which sent representatives from NBS to the 10th Northampton MBA represents a considerable achievement for both
Anniversary celebrations of Vietnam National University Centre for organisations and also highlights another successful step in our ongoing
International Education in April this year. internationalisation strategy.”
SFIA in Chile Susan and Carole delivered a lecture on the
implementation of SFIA across INACAP’s IT
degree provision and provided workshop support.
In addition they facilitated a comprehensive
In early September Susan Bailey, Principal workshop for the faculty and administration
Lecturer and Field Chair for Information Sciences team involved in the SFIA implementation
and her colleague Carole Morrell were invited process, on the practicalities of embedding SFIA
to the Technological University of Chile INACAP in the curriculum. Talks are now underway to
by Chancellor, Gonzalo Vargas and the Dean look at the feasibility of offering NBS students the
of International Relations, Joaquin Valenzuela. opportunity to spend a year studying at INACAP.
Northampton Business School were the first Susan really appreciated the interpretation and
to align and embed Skills Framework for the translation facilities which they commented
Information Age (SFIA) into the curriculum and as were excellent, one of the interpreters had been
such were approached to provide consultancy to employed by the Chilean Television network to
the largest university in Chile. give commentary on our Royal Wedding.
All aboard the
floating conference
Horacio Soriano-Meier, Senior Lecturer in Business The titles of Horacio’s papers are:
and Economics has had four papers accepted for the • “Lead time and variability reduction in an aerospace engine
22nd International Conference on Flexible Automation assembly process: a case study”
and Intelligent Manufacturing (FAIM). The conference
• “Is it wise to adopt core lean management principles first before
starts in Helsinki and continues aboard a ferry sailing implementing ERP? If so, which ones and to what extent”
to Sweden while hosting a series of seminars and key
• “An AIS based approach to resolve forward-reverse logistics multi-
note speakers before sailing back to Finland. period model with vehicle routing” and
The theme of FAIM 2012 conference is: Competitive and Sustainable
• “TQM Implementation issues in a chilled food manufacturing
Manufacturing and Service Systems and Technologies. The conference will
organisation: A case study”
cover a wide range of topics including Manufacturing and Service Systems,
Integrated Product and Production Development and Manufacturing
We wish Horacio the best of luck finding his sea legs to present these ideas
Technology and Processes.
to the delegates.

6. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 5
In F cus Dr. Tambu
Mangezi
It’s not long ago since ‘I did not know much about Northampton
but for me the main attraction was the
she was sitting at the personal touch to everything. The details
student end of the room, of the supervisors were available prior to
applying’.
here at the University
of Northampton. Tambu Having completed her first degree in
has just completed a Business Studies (Honours) at the University
of Zimbabwe, Tambudzai worked in the
PhD in Entrepreneurship banking sector. She was then awarded Financial Services. Before that she had
titled: Business Start-up a British Chevening Scholarship for worked for the University on a part-time
2004-5 to study for an MBA in International basis as an academic tutor and
Dilemma: Support Nascent Banking and Finance at the University of research assistant.
Entrepreneurs or deliver Birmingham.
‘My study and work experience at The
contracts. ‘After my MBA, I went back into banking University of Northampton gives me many
and after a year I started to look for the next perspectives on life around here. I can use
‘What a fantastic three years I have had challenge. I applied for the PhD Studentship this understanding to support and provide
here. I am not just saying this because at the University of Northampton. I had value to students’.
my student days are gone. It’s because done some research but I certainly had no
I enjoyed my studies and always found idea of what I had gotten myself into, a test Tambu’s research interests are in nascent
student academic support accessible’. of endurance!’ entrepreneur policy and support, SME’s
funding and development, evolution of
Tambu chose the University of Northampton After her PhD, she joined the Business financial services regulation, and project
for its approach to student recruitment and School in October 2011 as Lecturer – evaluation.
communication.
Congratulations on receiving your doctorate Tambu
The Financial Times comes to
Northampton Business School!
comprehensively detailed how some of the current extremes of greed and
short-termism have come about. There were, though, some green shoots
of hope as young people and social entrepreneurs were creating new
forms of capitalism, and Peter encouraged the large number of students
to keep taking advantage of social media which opened up whole new
opportunities for business networking.
Peter’s comments generated a large number of questions and debate,
with a clarification that his remarks referred to large corporate not small
and medium sized businesses run by owner managers. His comments
echoed those of Northampton Business School’s Adrian Pryce, organiser
of the event, who has just had his first academic article published,
Dr. Ian Brooks, Peter Whitehead and Adrian Pryce entitled Income Differentials and Corporate Performance. As a long time
subscriber to the FT and the oldest paper delivery boy in the UK (handling
To an audience of students, staff and local business people, the FT’s Peter the 200+ FTs each day as a free resource for NBS students) Adrian said
Whitehead, Editor of the Executive Appointments section and the FT ‘the event was a huge success even though not everyone agreed with
Non-Executive Directors Club gave a guest lecture entitled ‘How hard Peter’s conclusions. A business school has a duty to encourage debate
can it be to run a big business?’. Focusing on large publicly quoted about business in society, and the high attendance reflects our students
companies, Peter looked at the current levels of executive pay compared to interest in thinking about such important issues.’
corporate performance, and suggested that there was an imbalance which If anyone is interested in doing research in the area of executive pay or
business and society need to address. In a tour de force look back at the business in society as part of their dissertation please contact Adrian at
political, economic and financial developments of the last 30 years, Peter adrian.pryce@northampton.ac.uk.

7. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 6
Developing Global
Entrepreneurs
Northampton Business School then piloted by students from both Northampton One of the participants, Yumin Nie remarked
and Shaoguan working in collaborative learning that “The PMI2 project has given me a chance
has successfully completed groups using virtual learning environments and to learn about British business and culture. This
a collaborative project with Web 2.0 applications. was my first trip abroad and during my stay
in Northampton I learnt about the difference
Shaoguan University in China, The project has also sponsored several staff between China and England and kept up with
funded by the British Council and student visits. This not only enabled staff to world affairs which broadened my horizons and
achieve mutual understanding and disseminate enriched my knowledge.
Prime Minister’s Initiative For project outcomes but also allowed students
International Education (PMI2). from both countries to meet and socialise and I hope I will have a chance to participate in this
therefore strengthen their relationships. One kind of international project in the future”
The project was led by thing the project team is particularly proud of
Dr. Shaowei He and is the fact that participating students felt their
involvement in the project has transformed
Dr. Dave Burnapp at the them to be more cross-culturally aware, more
University of Northampton outlooking, and more entrepreneurial.
and Professor Zhigang Yan at The project has catalysed a stronger strategic
Shaoguan University. partnership between Shaoguan University and
the University of Northampton. There will be a
The aim of this partnership is to help students continuation of collaboration between the two
of different cultures to work together to institutions, mimicking the model and utilising
develop as global entrepreneurs, by enhancing the training materials we have developed in
their cross-cultural communication skills and this project but on a larger scale, with similar
knowledge of the business environment of other aims to address student employability and
countries. In order to achieve this, the project entrepreneurial competences in the global
team has created an innovative training module context. In addition, the two universities have
which aims to develop students’ cross-cultural agreed to continue working collaboratively on
understanding and communication skills wider employability, entrepreneurship and other
alongside the traditional entrepreneurial and strategic areas.
employability skills. The training module was
Northampton Business School is actively expanding its existing
Our Global
e, will
network of corporate links, and, in the first phase of the initiativ
focus on India.
have
Employers often search for talent at universities where they
Employability successfully recruite d from in the past, and from which they know
personal
graduates leave with the desired skill sets, knowledge and
attributes enabling them to successfully and swiftly become
Initiative
appreciated members in their organisation.
The Global Employability Initiative will
add substantial value to the students
study experience at the University of
at the Northampton.
One of the main reasons why individuals choose to study
University of Northampton is because they trust the University
usly Although this is a new project, the Global
to enhance their career prospects. This becomes enormo Employability Initiative has already helped
important in view of the rising uncertainty and unpredictable global
in a UK Vinoth Kumar, an MBA student secure a
job market. We recognise how important the investment graduate position in India. The website
education is and ensure we provide future-oriented learning content
rsonal for the initiative is under development
and the enhancement of critical professional and interpe and will display more examples, case
skills, recognising this is a key motivator for international students.
is one studies and other activities and events
That is why for the University of Northampton employability that demonstrate the Business School’s
Vinoth Kumar
of its major focus areas. NBS has furthered an initiative, which
l commitment toward global employability.
was originally suggested by international students. The “Globa If you are an employer, an alumni, a
ary skills
Employability Initiative” prepares students with the necess student or simply interested to find out more about the initiativ
e,
t’s home
for the competitive and challenging job markets in the studen please contact us any time at:Philipp.Kuhl@northampton.ac.uk
for the right
countries. The initiative not only directs students to study or call 00 44 1604892644.
, but also
skills, knowledge, attitudes and commercial understanding
le.
matches students CV’s with specific work opportunities availab

8. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 7
Case Study Diren Chedumbarum
Diren Chedumbarum tells the effects of large supermarket chains, the
downfall of Northern Rock and the changes
BusinessWise how his in regulation implemented by the Financial
time at the University of Services Authority and the Bank of England.’
Northampton helped him I am currently a Recovery and
secure a position at Grant Re-Organisation Associate at Grant
Thornton in Mauritius. Thornton. My role involves gathering and
selling the assets of companies under
“I had been interested in the field of finance receivership or liquidation, making sure
since secondary school and chose BA the process complies with relevant laws
(Hons) Financial Services (BAFS) as I knew and regulation and advising companies/
I would pursue a professional accountancy individuals how to better manage their
qualification after my degree. BAFS gives finances so as not to go bankrupt. My
a broader view of the financial world, how degree is fully relevant to my current role
to analyse financial data and ultimately as I have learnt all the basics required
understand real life business and financial at university and I am just applying my
news and decisions. Every module in knowledge in a real life situation.
the course was intellectually stimulating I would fully recommend the University of
and course work ranged from creating a Northampton to anyone as the studying
feasible business plan, advising clients on environment is great, students get the
their financial situation to investing on the opportunity to develop on every level and
London Stock Exchange (LSE). The course it was good fun studying there, three of the
dealt with hot topics in the news such as best years of my life so far.”
Life without chopsticks
by Dinh Thuy Phuong
Dinh Thuy Phuong, critically which has been a challenge as
I was a long term passive learner but I
an MA Management now understand that there can be more
(Marketing) student from than one answer to a question.
Vietnam tells us of her
I wanted to study in the UK to broaden
time at Northampton my knowledge of other cultures.
Business School. During my time in Northampton I
made several friends of different
“The University of Northampton was nationalities. I participated in Muslim
my university of choice as it offered festivals, ate with my Hindu friends
everything I needed including; the and joined church services with my
course I wanted to study on, a chance African flat mates. These were very
to experience British university life and special times for me. I not only acquired
a fantastic location to explore the UK knowledge and learning skills but I got
and Europe. to experience British life and to see how
food is made without chopsticks!”
The information gained on my course
meant that I could apply it to the
Vietnamese economic environment so
it will greatly increase my employability.
The course also taught me to think

9. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 8
Volunteering
Xihui Chen talks to BusinessWise
about her experience as a
volunteer
“One of my favourite experiences at The University of
Northampton has been my volunteering. I have built
my confidence, improved my communication skills,
met new people, gained knowledge and had
a great time!
I have been involved in as many volunteering
activities as I can including Children in Need and
the Umbrella Fair. Volunteering lets me see my life
in a different perspective. I feel that I am making a
difference to somebody else’s life. The one event that
will stay in my heart for a long time is the Olympic
Torch tour event. I felt proud that I could be one of
the volunteers! It was great fun to be able to see a
lot of visitors coming to the campus and encourage
them try a number of different sports and activities.
I feel that volunteering is invaluable and I would
recommend that everyone takes the opportunity to
experience it.”
Xihui Chen
MSc Financial Analysis Management
UK postgraduate
Giving something back... courses for January
2012 start
Rehman Aslam, an MBA
Northampton Business School have a
student with Northampton range of postgraduate courses starting
Business School recounts in January 2012.
MSc Accounting & Finance
his experience as a
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
volunteer.
MSc International Banking and Finance
“I came from Pakistan with many queries, concerns
and even fear in my mind about living in a different MA International Marketing Strategy
country. The Centre for Community Volunteering
MA International Tourism and
and the Student Ambassadors scheme at the
Hospitality Management
University helped to calm my nerves. They are a
really friendly group of people who are happy to MSc IT Service Management
help out others ranging from local community work
to helping out with university social events. Their MA Management (Human Resources)
enthusiasm encouraged me to volunteer. (Marketing) (Tourism)
The first event that I helped with was ‘The Coca Cola MSc Management (Financial Analysis)
Olympics Torch 2012’ event, a massive occasion. I (International Logistics) (IT Services)
was really nervous about what I would be doing and
making sure that I was doing it right. However, after To find out more about these courses
a briefing from Linda Davis, Head of the Centre for scan this code using your smartphone.
Community Volunteering , my fears vanished. I felt
r
e Vice Chancello really proud of being part of the event. The event
Rehman and th rd
Petfo went smoothly and everyone was happy with the
Professor Nick work they’d done. I went home with memories I will
cherish forever.
Being a volunteer left me thinking; is it really that
Scan me
difficult to give something back to society? The
answer? No.”

10. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 9
A Gorgeous
work placement
Living it up in Beverly Hills
It’s now November, I’m living in a great apartment close to the
office and I’ve been given full control of my very own client, The
Wailers (best known for their affiliation with Bob Marley before
his death). I handle everything for them, their social media
campaigns/networks, press releases, arrange album review
levard
ollywood Bou
Corbyn on H
and band interviews, inform and confirm press attendance
at concerts, as well as always thinking of new and interesting
ways to introduce a new fan base to the band.
“
With my internship at Gorgeous nearing its completion, my
Back in April, LA based entertainment public relations firm, free time has been spent searching for my next placement.
Gorgeous Media Group, posted an advertisement for a My internship has been demanding, often draining, but
‘Public Relations Intern’ on us.music-jobs.com, fast forward ultimately rewarding. I’ve been granted an opportunity that
five months past application forms, telephone interviews and few are offered, through which I’ve been able to fine tune my
countless hours of trawling though the American visa process I professional writing style and found a unique voice for the
find myself staying at a hostel on Hollywood Boulevard ready to press materials I write. I’ve been able to witness first hand
begin my first week as an intern. how a successful media campaign is developed and executed,
and have been immersed in situations that have often been
My boss calls me on the Saturday before I am due to start work depicted in class case studies. Most of all, I’ve learned the
and before I know it I am being picked up in a black Porche value of time management and networking. In fact, it’s through
and taken to a drama performance starring a talented artist my connections that I’ve been offered my next placement, an
Gorgeous were interested in signing. However that was just internship at a boutique lifestyle PR company which has an
the start of the night, I am then whisked off to an exhibition office overlooking Venice beach. This will be a great opportunity
opening at an art galley we handle PR for and after that I am to branch out and develop the skills I have already learned at
taken to a concert fronted by a band we represent. my last position, whilst being able to experience PR tailored to
a whole different audience.
Looking back , that night pretty much
summed up my life as a Gorgeous intern . Work placements abroad are a great way to show future
employers your independence, your ability to adapt and your
My 50 hour weeks are filled up with a variety of tasks including readiness to try things that aren’t considered conventional.
social media research and networking, assisting with mailings To succeed you need to hit the ground running whilst being
and distribution of press materials, assisting with the printing prepared for home sickness and a big culture shock. The
and packaging of materials, writing and distributing press
materials, tracking and clipping placements, sitting in on client
meetings to observe client relations and not forgetting on-site
rewards for completing an internship abroad (especially in
a city you may want to work in later in life) can be great;
and besides, living in Beverly Hills a stones throw away from
“
assistance at company events (which I found to be a great Hollywood and Santa Monica beach has its perks.
place to network).
Corbyn Asbury, BA Entertainment Marketing

11. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 10
Reflections on a placement
year with Microsoft
We caught up with Shubnyz who took a What did your role involve?
placement year with Microsoft during her BA “My role fitted perfectly with my degree subjects
(Joint Honours) in HRM and Marketing degree and was exciting since I had exposure to both
programme.
Shubnyz
HR and Marketing. I met a lot of students from
around the UK, did presentations at various
Shubnyz decided to take a placement year universities and helped promote exciting products
to gain valuable work experience and partly, such as Xbox Kinect. Apart from promoting
she confesses, to put off the challenges of the company and encouraging students and
writing a dissertation in her final year of study. graduates to apply at Microsoft, I also got
Shubnyz made use of all the support offered involved in the company’s marketing and
by Northampton Business School, Centre for advertising campaign, I helped students with
Employability to perfect her CV through the all their queries and organized various fun and
CV clinics and took part in the mock interview informative events all year round for students
sessions to gain experience before she started and current Microsoft interns.”
applying for placement opportunities. Shubnyz
had a number of telephone interviews which she How do you think the experience will
admits were nerve racking to start with but did help you in your final year of study?
help to build her confidence. What did you enjoy most about the “ Having been on a placement year is definitely
experience? a plus for me, I already have the research for
After six months of searching for placements “The discovery! I discovered so much about my dissertation complete and my experience at
Shubnyz was delighted to be offered an myself which I believe is fantastic, I am Microsoft motivates me to work hard through this
opportunity with Microsoft (UK-Reading) working more aware of my potential but also of my year to be apt to go back to a great company.”
in the HR department and helping recruit the weaknesses but I got all the support needed
best graduates around the country and bringing from my team to improve and learn. I have
them to Microsoft. a better idea of what I want to do after
graduation and where I want to be. Being
We asked Shubnyz a few questions: surrounded by so many smart and nice
individuals is an opportunity to network and
make contacts for the future. Also, I made
myself a lot of new friends, which is always
very pleasant”.
Case Study Tanish Thakker
“
I am a University of Northampton student degree quicker and finally be able to call Football
studying BA (Hons) Business Studies and I am –Football and not Soccer. I decided to come
currently undergoing a placement year. My to the University of Northampton because of it
post is that of an Employability Assistant at being in the heart of the UK and centrally located
the Northampton Business School’s Centre for to all the big cities such as London, Birmingham
Employability which aims to enhance student and Bristol. Northampton is the biggest town
employability during and after their graduation. in the UK and I did not want to go to a big city
I am originally from India where I grew up and because life could get too hectic there.
completed my schooling and college in Mumbai. Studying BA (Hons) Business Studies with the
placement year has to be the best decision I
I was never an academically oriented student have ever made in my life, I am currently on
which is what prompted me to travel to America a placement year with the university helping
to give me a much needed break to clear my them start up a new department called the NBS
head as well as travel and experience a new Centre for Employability. This experience is going
culture. I travelled for about 7-8 months around to be invaluable in terms of my personal and
the USA meeting friends and relatives; the whole professional growth. The placement only lasts a I have studied in three different countries
experience was very awe-inspiring as this was the year but what you learn from it lasts a lifetime. India, America and UK and the self-reflective
first time I had travelled on my own. learning technique taught within the University
The opportunity for students to mix with different of Northampton has enabled me to learn more
I enrolled into a local Community College on cultures from all around the world is than in any other country in a focused way. I
a Bachelors of Business Management course, something everyone should be motivated to do in can now confidently say that I enjoy my studies
equivalent to the first two years of a university our constantly growing global world. It is a very and am more motivated than ever to do well
degree. I had the option to continue my studies
in America or transfer to a UK degree, I consulted
my academic counsellor and he advised me that
I should come to the UK. I was keen on this as
multi-cultural university as the first friends I made
were French and Dutch Nationals. The university
has amazing teaching faculty that have real life
experience in business and other fields which they
academically as well as professionally. Studying
at the University of Northampton has opened so
many doors for me that I never knew existed and
it has been a mesmerizing part of my life and I
“
it would gave me a chance to travel again not then put forward for students to learn from. am only half way through it.
only to England but to Europe as well, finish my

12. BusinessWise - International Edition Page 11
Issue 37
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