Sopen Barua - MSc International Business Management
Where are you from and which course did you choose to study?
I relocated to London from Bangladesh to pursue an MSc in International Business Management with an internship at LSBU. Back in my home country, I was actively involved in international business, as my company was a business partner of a multinational organization. This role required frequent collaboration with professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Recognising the value of formal education in advancing my career, I decided to pursue an academic degree in this field. LSBU offered the ideal program, thoughtfully designed for students aspiring to build a successful career in international business.
Tell me about how the course staff have supported you?
I am truly grateful to the course staff for their exceptional support throughout the program. They prioritised providing us with practical insights and real-world experiences that align with the challenges we will encounter in our future careers. The course is thoughtfully structured to keep students updated on the dynamics of the global business environment.
What skills have you learnt or developed during your time at LSBU?
In terms of soft skills, I have developed a few skills, like communication skills, which I believe will help me to convey and collaborate with cross-functional teams in the future. The other skill is leadership, which could involve refining my ability to inspire and empower team members and delegate tasks effectively.
Regarding hard skills, the first I want to highlight is market analysis, which could enhance my ability to identify new opportunities and mitigate risks effectively during my professional career. The next learning is strategic planning skills; this could involve honing my ability to anticipate future market trends, formulate innovative strategies, and evaluate their impact on organisational objectives.
In terms of knowledge-based skills, I got the chance to develop international business skills where I studied and researched global market trends, cultural intelligence, and international trade regulations, which could enhance my ability to navigate complexities in global business environments. Then the most important skill I have learnt is organisation behaviour, where I explore advanced topics such as leadership styles, team dynamics, and organisational culture, which could enhance my ability to foster a positive and productive work environment.
Have you done a work placement or any work experience?
As a part of my academic course, I have done a one-year internship at Letbudget Limited, a recycling company. During my internship at Letbudget Limited as a Business Development Executive, I gained valuable experience driving the company’s growth. My responsibilities included identifying global business opportunities, analysing market trends, and fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders to enhance customer satisfaction. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement effective sales strategies and marketing campaigns while motivating a cohesive virtual team. Additionally, I prepared and followed up on sales reports to support sustainable business growth.
Where do you see yourself in the future? What are your goals?
With substantial professional and academic experience in the business field, I have come to realise that business is not solely about maximising profits; its true essence lies in addressing people's problems. Currently working in the recycling industry, I am driven to make a meaningful impact in this sector. My goal is to contribute to the growth and development of this industry, focusing on the following key objectives:
- Nature is first for our own existence.
- Wealth Equilibrium for the peace of the world.
- Create entrepreneurship for the economic liberation of mankind.
What advice would you give to people thinking about studying at LSBU?
For the future students who are thinking to study at LSBU can consider the following points based on my personal experience as a student of LSBU:
- Deep Dive into Courses: LSBU develops a thorough understanding of your chosen course, empowering you to make informed decisions and think independently with innovative approaches to real-world challenges.
- Tailored Learning Pathways: Pursue a specific general or specialised course in key areas at LSBU, you will also have the chance to participate in placements to sharpen your employability skills.
- Cutting-Edge Resources: Study in LSBU’s modern academic hub, equipped with advanced facilities and industry-standard tools.
- Learn from Experts: At LSBU gain insights from academics with robust research expertise and benefit from inspiring guest lectures to enhance your career readiness.