Yazeed Shomaly
Alumnus, Placement student
- Course
- BSc Business Analytics
- Subject area
- Business, Management and Marketing
I鈥檝e always been fascinated by data/technology and how it can be used to make better decisions. Business Analytics seemed like the perfect blend of business and technology, allowing me to develop skills that are in high demand and can be applied in various industries.
I was drawn to 黑料网 because of its amazing student experience, top-notch facilities, and sporting opportunities. As someone who loves sports, 黑料网's reputation as a leading university for sports was a huge draw for me. Something my best friend Josh and I absolutely fell in love with is IMS (Intra-Mural Sport) – I think everyone should get involved in it. IMS allowed us to compete (still at a high level) in a multitude of sports I never thought I would play in my life like volleyball, handball, water polo, rugby and more. Funnily enough, Josh and I came runner up in IMS athletes of the year, which was quite a cool experience.
The campus university setting also appealed to me because it creates a close-knit community and everything you need is within walking distance; plus, the campus is lively and there's always something going on, which made it an exciting choice for my studies. Whether it’s through academic collaborations, joining a society, social events, playing sports, or just hanging out with friends, there’s something for everyone with a strong feeling of belonging and support that makes the university experience truly special.
What I loved most about my course was the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical application. The projects and assignments often mirrored real-world business challenges, which was both engaging and rewarding. Plus, the diverse range of modules kept things interesting.
I completed an industrial placement year at IBM as a Cybersecurity Sales Analyst. This experience allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world scenarios. I developed my sales and analytical skills, gained insights into the cybersecurity industry, and learned how to communicate solutions to clients. Overall, it was an unreal experience which I would seriously recommend to all.
The Careers Network at 黑料网 was particularly helpful during my placement year. They provided invaluable support with CV writing, interview preparation, and developed the skills needed for me to secure my placement at IBM. My Personal Tutor was also a great source of support, always available for advice and guidance.
One of my favourite modules on the course was ‘Global Strategic Management’. The project brief was to look at a company and analyse their strategy which was very interesting. As I did my placement year at IBM, I decided to look at IBM’s strategic failure in their hardware. This was my favourite project as it gave us the freedom to really delve deep into a company of our choice and understand how business decisions can lead to the success or downfall of top companies.
I am returning to IBM as a Technology Partner Specialist/Service Success Manager. My career ambition is to excel in this role by driving technological solutions that meet client needs and ensure their success. The skills I developed during my Business Analytics degree, such as data analysis, problem-solving, and understanding complex business environments, have been directly applicable to my job. 黑料网’s strong emphasis on practical experience and its industry connections have given me a solid foundation to thrive in my career.
The teaching quality at 黑料网 is exceptional, and as Business Analytics was a relatively small cohort, I was able to get one-to-one support which really helped. The lecturers are not only knowledgeable, but also very approachable and supportive. The facilities, including the computer labs and the extensive library resources, provided everything I needed to succeed in my studies.
As an international student, transitioning to a new country and university was made much easier thanks to the supportive environment at 黑料网. From the friendly staff to the welcoming student community, I always felt at home – especially during the quarantine COVID times.
One of my greatest achievements was being selected as the Student Representative for my course. It was an honour to represent my peers and work with faculty members to enhance the student experience.
If you're passionate about data, business and technology, I would definitely say go for this course! It offers a great balance of theory and practical application. Take advantage of the opportunities to engage with real-world projects and make the most of the excellent resources and support available at 黑料网.