Sara works as Director of Charitable Programmes, EMEA for The Walt Disney Company
Business studies covered a broad range of topics and I liked the option to specialise in certain modules.
I wanted to be far enough away from home to experience independent living, but close enough that I could visit home regularly. I attended an open day and liked the culture of the University and the town.
Business studies covered a broad range of topics and I liked the option to specialise in certain modules. One module required us to develop a marketing plan in partnership with a local business, it was scary but gave me real-word experience. I enjoyed the organisational development/culture modules, as well as the modules that focused on the human side of business. My course also offered a great placement year, helped by the career services.
Living with complete strangers who were in the same situation as me helped us to bond and form life-long friendships. It was a steep learning curve in independent living.
I always lived quite close to campus, allowing me to visit the Student’s Union and local pubs. I also learned Japanese for two years and was secretary and then chair of the Horse Riding Club. Working as a paid mentor also helped my CV.
It is 18 years since I graduated. I was interested in pursuing a career in training and development, which evolved into organisational development and building company cultures. I moved into the field of corporate social responsibility holding general roles such as director of corporate responsibility and more specialist roles in charitable programming. I have worked for BP Amoco, ITVplc, Camelot Group and currently for The Walt Disney Company.