Camila Arce Derpic

Camila Arce Derpic

Bolivia

MSc Business and International Management

What lead you to studying at Northumbria University London?

I wanted to find a master’s degree that aligned with my international experience and centred on global business. After much searching, I found a great program at the Northumbria University London Campus, MSc Business with International Management.

What did you like about your course?

What I loved the most was the international environment all the classes had, where our professors aligned on giving us worldwide examples. The global focus expanded my understanding of different economic, political and social aspects, also giving me the opportunity to understand a variety of cultural factors that are crucial when analysing what is happening now and in the future.

I really enjoyed working in multicultural teams, being able to develop my group and leadership abilities, as well as learning to be more open-minded. Furthermore, I also became the Program Representative for MSc Business with International Management. I was responsible for representing students on their program, learning about their university experience and liaising with university staff to secure the best learning experience.

How did you cope with lockdown learning?

Admittedly, the lockdowns were very tough but it also had a huge impact on me, making me more resilient. I became very focused on finishing my thesis.

The lecturers were really interesting and made classes interactive despite not being in person. They were also very supportive, always taking the time to reply to my questions and offering feedback and help across all different areas of my learning. Despite the barriers imposed by lockdown I felt very supported and appreciated the human interaction between the professors and students.

Was the university support of help to you?

I am so grateful for all the support I received from the professors and staff at Northumbria University London. Particularly the Ask4Help Team, which gave me confidence and personal advice as well as the ACE Team, which helped me focus on explaining the rules for academic writing such as appropriate referencing.

The clear communication and welfare of students is something I will always remember, and I am thankful to have overcome difficult moments during my studies thanks to the support and guidance from Northumbria University London’s academic staff.

Would you say your course has equipped you for your career?

To me studying is more than just learning academic knowledge but also graduating equipped with people skills. Studying at Northumbria University London helped me gain confidence in being open with other people, having conversations and being able to cooperate within team settings. The value I have found from completing my master’s goes beyond technical writing abilities and critical thinking. For me, the most important part was working with people in agile ways and learning different business frameworks.

I have to say, studying at Northumbria University London is my greatest achievement. Today, I work for Accenture in London and apply concepts I learnt during my degree to my job. Learning new ideas was really interesting, and to see different subject areas merging to new ways of working. For instances, data analysis links so closely with technical business concepts and people skills. It has been such a great learning path where I have developed myself and expanded my knowledge that I now apply with confidence to a variety of challenges in my job.

For me, my experience of travelling and studying abroad has really opened my mind to different cultures and ways of life. I have become more open and eager to progress my career and follow my dreams. And I hope to lead by example and be an inspiration to be fellow Bolivian students to seek studying opportunities abroad.

What’s next for you?

I fell in love with London – the culture, architecture and history in the city. I love the fast-paced business world and the big opportunities. Plus, the diversity of the people from all around the world, it’s so interesting to be a student and then start a professional life here, it’s exciting. There are lots of opportunities in London and the progression for business is open to everyone.

Advice for a prospective student

Overcome your fears and don’t let them lead your life. If you feel connected to what your goal is don’t doubt your ability, you will find the support and learn what you don’t know. No one arrives here knowing everything.

Focus on your goals, there will be challenges but don’t get scared of that. Don’t sabotage yourself with fears, you can overcome difficulties. Speak to different people, it’s so important to be open. Northumbria University London is the place that can help you achieve your goals and aspirations in the future.

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