Hi everyone! My name is Mimi, and I study MSc International Management. Before I became a student in September, I had been in a full-time job for years after graduating from my undergraduate. The decision to come back to higher education was not a decision I had taken lightly. It involved many personal sacrifices, including leaving my full-time job and moving to a different city. I was anxious about whether I would be the only one in my course not studying their Master’s degree straight after an undergraduate. Thankfully, I quickly realised that I was not the only one and that there were plenty of students in the same position as me across the University.
Before I started my course, I did not know what to expect from studying at The University of Sheffield. I was unable to attend any of the postgraduate open days, so instead researched my course and the Management School through the website, reading about the modules on offer and the School’s excellent reputation. The course sounded interesting to me, and the idea that by studying my Master’s I could get one step closer to my dream career was exciting, so I made the decision to apply.
My first few weeks at university were spent getting my head around being a student again and finding my way around the city and the campus. I was amazed by the facilities that the University of Sheffield offered. In my second week, I learnt about the Corporate Information and Computing Services department (CiCS) who, as well as helping with any IT issues you may have, can loan out high-tech cameras and provide facilities such as recording booths, editing suites and a TV studio! All of this came in handy when we were asked to film a video about a current ethical issue, as part of a marketing module on my course. I was able to use the facilities offered by CiCS first hand, which was something I really enjoyed. I was a little nervous, as I do not have a background in making or editing film, but I felt it was a good learning experience and an opportunity to gain basic skills in this area.
Another thing that I learnt was that the Students’ Union had been ranked as the best Students’ Union in the UK for the past ten years, and I now know why! As well as the cinema, food and shops on offer, there are countless opportunities to get involved, with “Give it Go” and volunteering activities. I recently volunteered at the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust Christmas Fayre. It is something I have never done before, but I thought that this would be a fantastic opportunity to spend some time with local people in Sheffield by helping the local education charity raise funds. I also had the chance to buy some Christmas gifts!
I spent the day volunteering in the craft room where I made ‘reindeer hats’ 
with the children. I was also able to spend some time seeing the animals, which I loved. Opportunities like this allow you to contribute to the local community and build your skill set and make friends with people from the city. I highly recommend that you get involved with such activities. After all, the university is not just about gaining academic knowledge but also about the experiences you gain.