December 2016 – Undergraduate Blog

AIESEC- leadership with impact

By Megan Seaman, BA International Business Management

So, what is AIESEC I hear you ask? It stands for the Association Internationals des Etudiants en Sciences Et Commericales, but that still doesn’t really tell you a lot, even if you are fluent in French. Watch this video for ‘why we do what we do’ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDJQOJCFPng)

AIESEC is one of the best kept secrets at universities. It operates at universities across 125 countries, making it the largest youth-led organisation in the world. I heard about AIESEC during my year abroad in Vienna, and when I arrived back in Sheffield in September, still armed with the untamed desire to be surrounded by international students, getting involved with AIESEC, whose core value is ‘living diversity’ was a great way to do this!

AIESEC encourages people who were ‘born to lead’. It functions, much like any other business, but is run entirely by university students meaning that there is a real ‘hands on’ approach because your managers are your peers and board meetings are conducted in seminar rooms at university.

AIESEC exists in order to allow thousands of young people to experience the unknown. It does this by sending them on global volunteering projects and internships which fit nicely into the summer holidays, or for graduates and professionals who want to work abroad for a year. Partnered with the United Nations, all the projects target the UN sustainable development goals meaning they don’t just benefit students, they reach thousands of communities in need as well.

In just three months as Sales Team Leader at AIESEC Sheffield I have learnt so many invaluable skills which relate to my degree and look great on your CV; how to motivate my team to reach our targets, communicate with people from international organisations in order to generate new ideas, and how to recruitment new AIESEC participants.

The biggest thing that AIESEC has taught me is that YOU are the driver of your future. At university there is going to be a lot of new, exciting opportunities and it is your job to get involved with as many as you can, “never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Applying for a placement year

By Jack Wignall, BA Business Management with Employment Experience

To undertake a placement year, you will have to go through an application process the same way you would if you were applying for a full time or graduate job. Although the process of applying for a placement is a very time consuming one, it will hold you in good stead when it comes to applying for graduate jobs in your final year and if you apply early enough, you can get them done before any major coursework deadlines or exams.
Applications Steps

Every placement application is different but they all follow roughly the same pattern of application steps. These are:

Online ApplicationThis initial stage usually comprises of uploading your CV and Cover Letter. However, many companies also take this opportunity to ask some suitability and competency based questions.
Psychometric and Situational Judgement Tests (SJT)The psychometric tests are designed to examine your all round ability and they usually include numerical reasoning, verbal reasoning and logical analysis tests. The SJT tests put you in a situation within the company you are applying for and is intended to test how you would respond.
Phone InterviewAn interview which takes place over the phone with the recruitment department.
Video InterviewAn interview using a computer or laptop where a question comes up on your screen and you present an answer using your webcam. Treat this like a real interview in how you present yourself and how you prepare for it.
One to one interviewA traditional interview with members of the recruitment department at the company.
Assessment CentreA screening process where several potential employees are evaluated on individual and group tasks in order to showcase specific skills and attributes.

During the whole process, it is important to keep track of a company’s business and social activities. This keeps you up to date on their dealings as well as ensuring you develop some understanding of their marketplace. On top of this, you can keep a record of the questions and answers you have made so far, so you can refer back to previous experiences when preparing for the next stage.

My 5 top tips for applying:

Apply early – many companies advertise early in the year, so apply before coursework/exam stress comes calling.
Stick at it – it is a time consuming process so keep going even if you feel like giving up!
Take advantage of the Careers Service – they are very helpful, and give you advice and showcase events.
Tailor applications – make each application specific to the company you are applying for.
Prepare for all types of questioning – competency based, experience based, fun and quirky

It is a gruelling process that needs a lot of time and effort, but if you work hard and – more importantly – be yourself, then some success may well come your way.

Good luck!

What’s it like to go to University and live in Sheffield

By Jack Wignall, BA Business Management with Employment Experience

Welcome to Sheffield, your new home away from home!

Sheffield is Europe’s greenest city with its borders reaching far into the neighbouring Peak District. The Peaks are a short car, train or bus ride away and offer breath-taking views and enjoyable walks for you all to explore. No other University will be able to offer this sort of setting right on your doorstep so it is well worth making the most of!

The Sheffield nightlife is legendary. Having produced global talent such as the Arctic Monkeys and Def Leppard, Sheffield is home to many famous venues. The most famous of these being Leadmill where local talent take their steps to stardom and is a venue which hosts many gigs throughout the year. Also, there is the O2 Academy where more big named artists play and is located right in the city centre. From a student’s point of view, there is a long list of places offering cheap and crazy student nights which includes Code, Plug, Tank and the famous Corporation (make sure you bring a special pair of ‘Corp shoes’).

If it is more of a mellow and relaxed environment you are looking for, then that is just as easily accessible too. The city centre has many coffee and clothes shops to have look around as well as having Meadowhall shopping centre just on the outskirts of the city. There are plenty of niche and independent stores to visit with many quirky features to suit all tastes. Sheffield also offers all sorts of activities within the city, with my personal favourite being the up and coming popular ‘Escape Rooms’ encounter also found here in Sheffield.

Sport is a big part of what makes Sheffield the city it is. They are proud and loyal people and show this through the support they offer to their local professional teams. They hold the accolade of having the first ever and oldest football club in Sheffield F.C. and also have two football league clubs in Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United. Sheffield Steelers, who are the Ice Hockey team, play at Sheffield Arena and the basketball team is called the Sheffield Sharks. Cricket and rugby are also sports thoroughly enjoyed in Sheffield as well as the Sheffield Tigers Speedway team.

Sheffield’s culture is a down to earth and friendly one. The locals are very accommodating of students from University and are always helpful and entertaining, whether you bump into them in the street or on a night out.

Once you understand some of the local lingo and get used to climbing all sorts of hills, you will thoroughly enjoy your time here and a lot of people choose to stay after graduation. I guarantee you won’t want to leave!

Off to study at WU Vienna

By Lissandra Radu, BA International Business Management

Hi, there! My name is Lisandra and I am an International Business Management student going into my second year at WU Vienna.

A few years ago I began travelling around Europe to various capital cities, where I realised how different people and societies really are. Being born in Eastern Europe and moving to England was a massive culture shock but there are endless benefits such as so much more approachable, it opens your mind to other people’s perspectives as well as you get to eat your weight in new and delicious food. Therefore, when it came to choosing my degree, I was set on experiencing this difference in culture once more, but this time I wanted it to last more than a few days!

Vienna-street I picked Vienna…mainly because of their schnitzel. Well, the modules at the university definitely had something to do with it too! WU has so many unique and niche modules on huge range of business related topics that it made the choice that much easier. In terms of the city, it has amazing location with such easy access to the rest of continental Europe that it became a no-brainer really! Also, I heard famous stories of Sacher Torte so to me, it seemed to tick all the boxes.

Choosing the accommodation was a really smooth straightforward process, especially as everything is in English (although I am keen on starting German courses as soon as the semester begins!). In the end, I chose a studio mostly so I can decorate not only a bedroom but the bathroom and kitchen too J. The University schedule is slightly busier than what I experienced in Sheffield, although, saying that, there are no compulsory modules which means you really get to study what you are interested in!

My year abroad begins in 2 days and for now there is a mix of fear and excitement. To be honest, I am not really sure what to expect, but I can say for sure that I plan on making the most of it from every aspect! I cannot wait to meet new people and share this experience with like-minded individuals.

Work-life balance

By Frances Kendall, BA International Business Management

I’m a third year studying International Business Management and last year I lived in Denmark attending Copenhagen Business School. Suffice to say, coming back to Sheffield for this academic year has been a big shock after living independently abroad!

There are many people who tell you that the point of university is simply to get a degree, but I think university is about much more than that. In my eyes, at least, it’s a lifestyle and a learning curve combined, not purely a means to a future career.

Work-life balance is, therefore, something I have definitely learnt to appreciate more than ever this year. Third year unsurprisingly spells more work and responsibilities, but also provides more opportunities to take part in the multitude of activities which Sheffield University has to offer.

In Denmark, they place a huge amount of emphasis on flexible working hours which researchers have found contributes substantially to it being consistently rated the ‘Happiest Nation in the World’ by its inhabitants. Thus, I am hoping to pass on some of the lessons I learnt abroad and have tried to implement here in Sheffield!

Plan your time and prioritise. As long as you know the amount of time you have available, you can keep track of the days and hours left until your next deadline. This means you can afford to do the all activities you want without having to ‘pull an all-nighter’!
Do not feel guilty (if you have planned right)! When others around you are working, you shouldn’t feel bad if you want to take a break to have a coffee or a day off in the Peaks. Some people take longer to work than others and this shouldn’t put you off.
Always allow an extra half an hour to do things. I always find that things take longer than I expect. The last thing you need is to be stressing about getting to a lecture or meeting on time, on top of everything else, so just prepare for it! The Sheffield hills may take a little longer to climb when you are tired or you might come across a friend and want to have a chat, either way it’ll all take time.
Enjoy the little things. Personally I think that little treats or regular breaks is the way to go when aiming for happiness and balance. I can’t deal with being overloaded and then having to take a while to recover. It’s better to not get to that stage in the first place – prevention not cure is key!
Don’t be afraid to do things independently. Many students come to university after having participating in activities with their friends from home which they have known for years. Coming to university and trying something on your own can be daunting. Don’t worry! You will make friends whilst there and everyone is in the same boat, even if they might not look like it or tell you so! I joined the Lacrosse team and have made so many friends this way. Take that step and it will help so much in keeping that balance between social and work life in check.

I really hope these five pieces of advice are helpful, both for prospective students looking to get an insight into student life, and for those current students nervous about giving something new a try. Finding that balance will help you to become a more rounded individual and enjoy the years you have at university so much more!

My placement year as Business and Marketing Assistant at Lubrizol

By Jack Wignall, BA Business Management with Employment Experience

The benefits of doing a placement year

Sheffield University Management School offer students the opportunity to undertake a placement year as part of your degree and I would recommend it to everyone! I have just come back from completing my Placement Year at Lubrizol, a chemical additive company, where I was a Business and Marketing Assistant. I always knew I wanted to do a placement year and this was part of the reason I came to Sheffield. I found the experience invaluable and have already seen the benefits since returning to University for my final year.

It helps when applying for graduate jobs

Having work experience alongside a degree is extremely useful when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. This is because employers are looking for someone who stands out and having the workplace knowledge and experience is priceless nowadays, especially when securing a good job is harder than ever before.

A chance to use your theoretical knowledge in practical situations

Doing a placement year gave me the chance to convert the theoretical knowledge from the course into practical experiences. This was very helpful during my placement as I was able to see how my degree was relevant to real life circumstances. The other benefit is that on the return to University you can do the reverse by using practical experiences in a theoretical context in your final year modules. Going forward, these are all great experiences that can be used in the application process for jobs post-uni as well as in the job itself.

You develop transferable skills

The experiences I had during my placement year have helped me to develop many key skills, including communication, IT literacy, time management and organisational skills. These were developed through responsibilities such as dealing with emails, using Microsoft Excel and arranging meetings. I also had to deliver several presentations through the year, most notably at a European Sales meeting in Hamburg. On top of this, the year has also helped me gain new skills that I didn’t have previously such as how to behave in a professional working environment.

Growing as a person

What I will take away most from my placement year was the fact I felt I matured during my time at work. Being in a position where I was working using my own initiative amongst professionals in a multinational company made me feel like I was a part of something bigger. The responsibilities I was given aided this as I didn’t feel like a student, but was valued as an actual employee. Away from the work, I felt I grew as a person by being independent – living in my own flat and organising all factors of my life that a ‘grown-up’ would have to do in the real world.

My year at the University of Amsterdam

By Charlie Nock, International Business Management

Welcome to my blog everybody! I’m Charlie, an International Business Management student who is extremely fortunate in being able to spend this year at the University of Amsterdam.

I had chosen the university based on previous visits to the city, where I thought to myself, naively, that I could see myself settling in to the ebbs and flows of Dutch life. I quickly learnt that that there’s never a spare second in which you can actually be settled in Amsterdam. Instead, you have to don your glamorously shabby city bike and explore as much of the city’s offerings as possible. The culture shock wasn’t as big as it would be in many other cities; but having the national cuisine be fried cheese sandwiches with mayonnaise lathered chips was a shock I think anyone would welcome.

I was anxious about being a fresher again and equally frustrated to be missing out on second year in Sheffield, but the international students are all in the same boat – mostly Masters or exchange students who just want to enjoy their year away. I regrettably chose not to take part in the International Students’ Week (ISN), luckily I was able to meet people through my flatmates’ groups but I would definitely recommend anyone going abroad to secure a place with their ISN as it seemed a great way to find cool new places and meet new people.

I instead spent my first week with friends from home, or on my own exploring the city by bike – I took the ferry to the Noord of the city (see the windmill pictures) and around the various parks of the city – everywhere is so flat and chilled out that you can literally cycle anywhere in the city in under an hour and sweat free.

Acc Tourist ommodation can be hard to come by and expensive and I did have a questionable experience upon moving in, but I managed to secure a central, canal side apartment in a student building for a similar price to Endcliffe. Being close to town and the university is a huge help, especially as some of my classes don’t finish until 9 at night, but friends further out seem to be really enjoying their respective setups. The course started very early, on September 2nd, and the semester is divided into 3 blocks with 6 exam periods. Reading is surprisingly intensive and there is a big emphasis on presentations and involvement in seminars.

My first set of exams start next week, but the reward of spending your down time in one of the coolest cities in the world makes this a small price to pay.

What is Enactus?

By Nathan Allaby

You probably haven’t heard of Enactus before, and neither had I. Although Enactus is actually an absolutely massive nonprofit social enterprise, operating in 36 different countries and over 1700 universities worldwide. The organisation creates a platform for entrepreneurial students to create community development projects both locally and internationally. In addition to these projects, regional, national and international competitions are run annually, in which Enactus teams from around the world showcase their work to a board of corporate executives. Enactus Sheffield has a fantastic track record in these competitions, taking second place at nationals for the past 9 years and winning in 2010 and 2014.

What you will do in Enactus Sheffield

There are two broad types of projects at Enactus Sheffield. Social Projects are those that aim to improve the lives of those in need in a sustainable and effective way, whilst Commercial Projects are separate businesses run in order to fund the Social Projects. At the moment I am working in a commercial programme called “The One Project,” where we sell mineral water to local cafes and establish marketing campaigns to increase awareness of water sanitation issues in parts of Africa. This involves meeting once a week on Wednesday afternoons, where our team members share their independent progress during the week and also discuss different selling strategy ideas collaboratively.

Outcomes and Skills

This project has significantly developed my confidence and presentation skills as I was given the opportunity to meet with potential clients and pitch our product. In addition to this, it is rare to be able to have full control over the running of a business but to also have a support network available at the same time. At the moment, I am in the sales team of “The One Project”, however there are also great promotion prospects, and starting second year I hope to be leading my own smaller project. There are also many positions available on the committee including roles such as Financial Director and Head of Media Relations. Therefore, whatever your particular skill set is, you’ll be able to find a role that you can enjoy and excel in.

Living at home during university

By Emily Beatson, BA International Business Management with Employment Experience

When applying to university, unlike a lot of my friends who were looking for the furthest place to get away from their parents, I considered living at home. I applied for places where I would be too far away to commute but also applied to the University of Sheffield where commuting would be possible and I could live at home. I live around 15 miles away, which is a 30-40 minute drive depending on traffic or a 45-minute train journey.

During first year, I mostly got the train to Sheffield and then walked up to the university. If it was raining, I would treat myself to a luxurious trip on the SuperTram up to the University stop. I underestimated how much walking I would be doing in first year, but it kept me fit and I had plenty of playlists I could listen to whilst walking back and forth daily. I never felt unsafe walking through Sheffield, even in the dark, and it was a great way to notice little cafes and new restaurants as I was walking past.

Since then, I have done a year abroad where I lived on campus and we had free campus shuttle buses and I have also done a placement year where I drove every day. Safe to say I’ve become a little lazy to do so much walking. I’m now in my final year and do things a little differently. If I’m only in for an hour, I’ll drive up to university and usually park outside the Management School on Crookesmoor Road, 70p for an hour… bargain! I’m still scared of parallel parking how

ever so always aim for a space at the end. If I’m in for longer than that, I scrounge a lift to Sheffield Business Park/Advanced Manufacturing Park, just off the Parkway on the way into Sheffield, with either my parents or boyfriend who both work there and then I hop on a bus that takes me straight to university. I use First buses as they offer students a weekly pass for £7. I then take the same bus home at the end of the day and get a lift home.

People assume that you miss out on a lot of university life when living at home, I’d disagree. I got the chance to study abroad in Hong Kong for a year, so that definitely gave me a real experience of student living. Other than that, I have made plenty of friends on my course in Sheffield who would be more than happy to offer me a sofa to crash on after a night out and I still get involved in going out for meals and casual drinks. Also, not having the ability to sneak back home to bed in between lectures forced me to go to the library and do my work, so I often get everything done during the day and have less to do in the evening. Not to mention the free laundry, food and wifi, plus I still get to see my two Labradors and cat at the end of the day!