Sabina-Elena Filipescu

Why did you choose to study for a Business and Management degree? Was there anything in particular that stood out to you when researching for the right course?

I chose to study a Business and Management degree at Oxford Brookes University due to the highly well-structured modules and the large selection of optional modules that allowed me to tailor my course to my needs. It has made me stand out in several job interviews and offered me the knowledge to specialise in core domains such as marketing management, logistics, finance, and strategic management.

Additionally, something I found truly unique about the course was the extensive work opportunities offered by Oxford Brookes Business School. Examples include placement years within the Business and Management course, part-time jobs within the faculty and countless practical assignments linked to the compulsory modules.

The experience gave me a sense of what it is like working in a competitive business environment. Throughout my time at university, I have truly felt supported by Oxford Brookes Business School, especially during the harsher times of the pandemic, which confirmed that I made the right choice of institution when choosing an undergraduate degree.

What attracted you to study at Oxford Brookes University?

I moved to the UK when I was 16 years old, and one of the first universities I visited as a young student was Oxford Brookes University. To me, this represented more than just studying for an undergraduate degree. I was looking for a place where I could develop academically and as a person.

The diversity of the university community was one of the key things I noticed, and that convinced me that I would fit in and be empowered and pushed to do better and develop into a successful person. The combination of highly experienced lecturers, supporting staff members and student ambassadors was also something I enjoyed seeing, as it made me feel comfortable asking questions, thus making me feel confident in my decisions. 

The societies and the projects organised by the Students’ Union were also something I was looking forward to when I first came to Oxford Brookes University, as there is such a diverse and large variety of events and societies you can attend and join. Whether you want to meet new people or learn new skills in workshops, there is something out there for everyone. 

What has been your favourite module to study on the course and why?

I have always enjoyed working with numbers which made all the finance modules enjoyable; however, my favourite module to study would be the Live Client Strategic Project. It was an essential module as it helped define my strengths in market research, public speaking, and building a large project from a small idea. It has also helped develop my weaker areas involving self-doubt and getting my thoughts out there confidently. I was able to overcome these areas with practice and the help of my teammates,  and seminar and module leaders. It was a fulfilling experience, and I gained so many practical skills from this module, ultimately being offered a summer internship as Head of Partnerships with one of the participating start-ups due to the high quality of my work within the module. 

What skills have you developed while studying on the course? Please talk about specific knowledge and skills related to the subject and any other skills such as communication, networking, teamwork etc.

To utilise the skills and knowledge learnt on the Business and Management degree for my future career aspirations, I undertook both Corporate and Business Law and Business Governance and Human Rights modules. Those modules have offered me an entirely new set of skills, such as writing clear legal reports, learning and understanding the law concerning all businesses, applying such laws to real-life cases, and considering critical ethical factors regarding Human Rights and the Modern Slavery Act. This specific knowledge has helped me decide on my future studies and career in Company Law and Business Governance. 

I also gained crucial skills during the Business and Management degree such as time management and networking. Due to the ambitious projects hosted by both the Business School and the university itself, time management was crucial for me as I would get involved in societies, and part-time jobs to complement my studies at a satisfactory level. Furthermore, networking has proven an essential skill that helped me gather work experience during my studies. The Business School supported us with networking opportunities through workshops to understand the importance of expanding your network in business and other industries. 

How have you found the experience studying on the course and the balance between any live project work and study?

Studying a degree in Business and Management has led me to countless work opportunities due to the ability to imitate real-life scenarios within assignments, group work and other activities. Some of the opportunities were offered by Oxford Brookes University, such as being an Intern in the Logistics, Project Delivery and Operations department or a Module Assistant for the Oxford Brookes Business School. The balance between work and study was easy for me as I was already equipped with the skills from my course and through life at university to manage the balance of part-time work and my studies. The university has also offered the utmost support concerning any well-being troubles, stress, or just being there for advice. 

Describe your experience working alongside fellow students. What have you learnt from them?

All of the projects I have undertaken at university have taught me many things I did not know before. I have developed my collaboration skills by working alongside fellow students on assignments, and I learned the importance of communicating well and putting all the ideas together to form something creative and unique.

I also learned that unique events and opportunities can be found when you find like-minded, passionate people. Examples include my contribution to diverse societies such as Women in Business and Women in Law, where I was part of the committee as both a Secretary and Marketing Manager and was nominated for the full-time VP: Education & Advocacy position within the Students’ Union. 

What has the standard of teaching been like on the course? Are there any memorable lectures or seminars you attended?

The teaching on the course has been so rich in content, and regardless of how much I might sometimes find some of the work challenging, all of the lecturers and seminar leaders have been extremely helpful, along with the contribution of my academic advisor, who has always made things so easy and clear for me. 

An example is one of the most memorable lectures in the first couple of weeks of the Managing Careers module. I felt extremely inspired by the range of diverse career theories, giving me more courage to follow my career path regardless of how competitive or different it might be. This module has also cleared my mind and helped me discover a path I will enjoy and fit into successfully. 

To what extent has the course helped you set goals for your future career, and what are your plans after graduation?

The Business and Management degree has helped set me on the best career path possible. It has motivated me to pursue an ambitious Master's degree, combining a law conversion degree and my business education, offering me the necessary skills to practise law and business. 

Anything else you'd like to add about your experience on the course or at Brookes?

My experience at Oxford Brookes University and studying the Business and Management degree has equipped me with the best set of skills for the future. I am thrilled with the choice I have made!