Why did you pick the University of Leeds?
There were several reasons I had in my mind. The University of Leeds is a very well-reputed university all over the world.
I had a profound interest in the Consumer Analytics and Marketing course that the university had recently launched. I took enough time to calculate the benefits I could get if I undertook this course. I did some extensive research about the course modules that led me to realise this course is meant for me.
Also, it would help me to contribute something for my country. Currently, I am teaching Marketing Analytics in a renowned university in Bangladesh. Also, I got two lecturer job offers from other universities for my expertise in this field.
Tell us about your degree at the University of Leeds
My postgraduate degree helped me to acquire practical skills on ArcGIS for spatial analysis and visualisation, R for statistics computation, SQL for database solutions, Stata for data science, Qualtrics for research method to analyse consumer data.
Business Analytics and Decision Science is one of the relevant courses that can contribute to this project where I learnt some advanced quantitative methods in RStudio and Microsoft Excel such as SQL, Weighting Sum Method (WSM), Goal Programming, Hierarchical and K-means clustering techniques and many more. I topped and achieved 94% in one of the courses namely Business Analytics and Decision Science, that made me more confident to fulfil my dream.
Not only for academic purposes, but Leeds also provides adequate professional workshops that help the students to be fit for corporate organisations. I have learnt so much from the trainings on writing CV, LinkedIn profile development and on improving skills relevant to public speaking and presentation purpose.
How was studying in Leeds different to your previous academic experiences?
Leeds was undoubtedly the most beautiful thing that has happened to me. Since I moved somewhere else from my own country, it was indeed a different life that I had to maintain, but it was amazing.
First of all, the well-designed libraries and facilities of e-resources, books and computer facilities that you really do not need to have a laptop! Leeds provides abundant facility, and I could spend hours and hours in the clusters.
I had the chance to meet new people; I could meet 8 to 10 native friends and also some international friends with whom I could celebrate festivals and attend parties. Some of them are really special and near to my heart and still we are in touch and became close friends for forever. Some moments are unforgettable how we spent nights working together in the cluster to finish projects on time.
What were the greatest challenges and rewards throughout your degree?
Challenges would be everywhere when you wanted to achieve something. I have particularly faced challenges regarding daily household activities because I was away from my family and was leading a life in a completely different way that I never experienced before. But I adapted to the new life, I learnt cooking and there is also magic in living a student life.
Initially, there were some difficulties in working under overload, since the class was pretty competitive, but through hard work and the guidance of the professors, I could overcome every obstacle and achieved a decent score.
What support did you access at University to help with your career goals?
The Careers Centre was really helpful. I developed my CV and learnt many things including preparing for interviews and developing a LinkedIn profile.
I also attended many workshops and career fairs that helped me to nurture my skills of writing, speaking and presenting. I could also attend recruitment fairs, attended many networking events, PhD fairs, workshops and training sessions and received mentoring from career services and adequate guidance for the professional development.
How was the student life at Leeds?
The city of Leeds is very vibrant and I still miss hanging out with friends in Charco's and Flames close by the campus. The best part about Leeds to me that there were so many options for halal food. I could find a number of good restaurants with uncountable meal options that was absolutely favourable for me and friends.
I still remember, we celebrated Eid in Red Hot and also our convocation in Bengal Brasserie, it was lovely. Also, I loved fish and chips and my favourite was biryani from the local mosque. I loved my room and I really enjoyed living in Leeds.
What advice would you offer to anyone thinking about applying to the University of Leeds?
I would say, Leeds is undoubtedly a very reputed university. The University of Leeds gives you a platform to pursue your career in your chosen field. Of course, I would suggest anyone who thinks to join here that it is highly essential to see the courses beforehand and the modules before enrolling.
Before joining, it is also necessary to secure accommodation and preferably chose somewhere near the school/department you are enrolled in.
Get some warm clothes, Leeds is quite cold and gets dark early. And don’t worry because you are about to go one step more to experience the best education.
Would you recommend studying at the University of Leeds? If so, what are the main reasons?
Yes of course I would recommend Leeds! It is a globally reputed university, and the professors and researchers are of very well educational backgrounds. They have a very transparent assessment system, and the professors are very helpful.
You will build another family in Leeds because it has diverse set of students from all around the world. Also, there are wider options of food in cafes and other restaurants in the city of Leeds.
The library resources are amazing and many clusters remain open 24/7 for study purposes. In conclusion, I would say, Leeds enables you to grow and get ready for your further advancements in so many ways.