LSBU Class of 2023: Fatma Nur Yoguran
In our first LSBU Class of 2023 series we speak with International Business Management with Marketing Masters graduate Fatma about her time at LSBU, what being an international student was like and her aspirations for the future.
Why did you choose LSBU?
“London is such an amazing place to live with so many opportunities so for me LSBU was the perfect place to study. The pathways offered on the course meant I could discover different part of international business and choose modules in marketing which really interested me.”
How was your time studying here?
“It’s been hard work but also very rewarding so I’m relieved to have finished now. At first it took me a little while to settle in, I was new to London and missed home but I made the most of my time here and joined the LSBU Student Union, made lots of friends on my course and became a student ambassador.”
“Being a student ambassador was one of the best decisions I made. I worked on open days and outreach events to start with but then got a part time position in the marketing team. I was able to apply the theory I was learning in class in a professional environment. And I got paid! My dissertation was about the decision processes of international students and how marketing campaigns shape and influence these so to be able to apply the learning from that was brilliant. LSBU gave me a platform and I gave my knowledge and ideas back.”
As an international student was it hard to study abroad?
“Both LSBU and London are incredibly welcoming places to be as an international student so things couldn’t have been easier. I obviously miss home but thankfully the flight back to Turkey isn’t too long.
“As a Turkish woman, studying a Masters makes a real difference back home. I hope I’ve been a role model for other women who might not think they can and change cultural attitudes towards this. More female role models mean we can change cultural attitudes for the better.”
How did it feel to finally graduate?
“The day itself was amazing. Everyone was so happy and to be there with family and friends celebrating our achievements was fantastic. To have the opportunity to be an orator and deliver a speech to the class of 2023 at Royal Festival Hall was the cherry on top.
“It’s a relief to finally graduate and it made me think about all the hard work I put in over the past 18 months. It’s sad realising I’m no longer a student but I know I’m a LSBU alumni for life now which is comforting.”
What are your plans for the future?
“My role with LSBU marketing team has now been made permanent so I’m excited to get started with that. It’s a role I know I’m able to grow in and learn a lot as the team are always receptive to new ideas and ways of working.
“In the long term I want to keep travelling and work abroad. I have aspirations to one day own my own marketing agency but know that there’s a lot of hard work to do between now and then. Watch this space!”