Explain your educational background and work experience so far.

I’m currently a second year Accounting and Finance student at Manchester Met, and my journey so far has been a mix of academic learning, hands on experience, and getting involved in extracurricular activities that have pushed me outside my comfort zone.

Alongside my studies, I take part in a variety of activities and competitions. Last year, I had the chance to compete internationally and secured second place in the Network International Business Case Competition in Canada. What made this competition unique was its format, it’s one of the only case challenges where teams are given a full case study without internet access. That meant we had to rely purely on our preparation, teamwork, and problem‑solving skills.

In a group of four, we had three hours to analyse the case, build a strategy, and produce a complete PowerPoint presentation. The pressure was intense, but I actually enjoyed it. Working under tight deadlines, managing stress, and making fast, informed decisions taught me a lot about how I perform when it really counts.

This year, I’ve also been supporting other students in the Peer assisted learning (PAL) by helping them understand the fundamentals of financial accounting. Whether it’s breaking down tricky concepts or helping them apply theory to practice, I’ve really enjoyed being someone they can turn to for support.

Overall, my academic journey so far has been shaped not just by lectures and exams, but by the experiences that have challenged me to think critically, collaborate effectively, and grow both personally and professionally.

How did you find out about these competition opportunities?

I first discovered the competition while I was actively searching for new opportunities on the Manchester Met website. I often browse through different sections like societies, volunteering roles, and global programmes because I’m always looking for ways to challenge myself and build my skills.

That’s when I came across the chance to compete in an international business case competition, the kind where you get to travel, represent the university, and work on real business problems under pressure.

After taking part last year and winning second place in Canada, I felt much more confident in my abilities. Competing pushed me to grow, communicate better, and make decisions quickly. It also showed me that I actually thrive when I’m under pressure.

This year, I’ll be competing again, this time in Romania in September. The timing works well because it means I can stay focused on my studies during the academic year while still preparing for the competition. I’m excited to build on the skills I developed last time and see how much further I can push myself.

Overall, getting involved in these opportunities has helped me grow both personally and academically, and I’m looking forward to seeing where they take me next.

How was the experience overall?

Overall, the experience completely changed me in ways I didn’t expect. Before competing, I always thought I was someone who preferred stability, routine, and knowing exactly what was coming next. But taking part in high‑pressure competitions made me realise I’m actually the opposite. I discovered that I need challenge, intensity, and even a bit of adrenaline to perform at my best. That shift in understanding myself has been one of the most valuable parts of the whole journey.

One of the biggest changes was in my presentation skills. At the start, I was the quiet one who avoided speaking in front of groups. I didn’t feel like I had the basic skills or the confidence to present. But being in a competition where people are watching you closely, asking questions, and expecting strong answers forced me to grow.

I had to stay calm, be convincing, and trust my team and it actually worked. Over time, I became more confident, and I realised that people are often kinder than you expect. They understand how hard it is and they appreciate the effort you’re putting in.

I also got to know myself better through the whole process. These kinds of experiences show you what you’re really capable of. They push you into situations you’d never face in a classroom, and because of that, you learn more about your strengths, your limits, and how you react under pressure. I’ve realised I can handle much more than I thought.

On top of that, my networking skills improved massively. Meeting students from different countries, talking to judges, and working with new teams helped me become more open, more confident, and more comfortable building connections.

So overall, the competition wasn’t just about presenting a business case, it was about discovering who I am, building skills I never thought I’d have, and proving to myself that I can thrive in challenging environments.

What advice would you give to other students?

My biggest piece of advice is simple: give it a try and ACT NOW!

Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” because it rarely comes. University is the time when you can experiment, take risks, and explore opportunities that genuinely shape who you become.

If you want to stand out, you need to think about what will make you different. What will give you a competitive advantage?

Employers aren’t just looking for good grades, they’re looking for students who have shown initiative, curiosity, and the willingness to push themselves. These experiences aren’t just valuable for your career; they help you grow as a person too.

Through competitions and global programmes, I’ve built connections with students from Canada, America, and Guatemala, and I’m still in touch with them now. Some of them are even visiting the UK next month, so I may meet with them. Those relationships wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t taken that first step and said yes to something new. Opportunities like these open doors you never even knew were there.

So my advice is: go for it.

These are the years where hard work pays off the most. Put yourself out there, try something that scares you a little, and allow yourself to grow.

You might be surprised by what you’re capable of — I definitely was.

Do you have any other points?

Don’t wait to become perfect, there is no such thing. Just step into the experience of getting to know yourself better and show others what you are capable of!

One thing I didn’t expect was just how much I would change since starting university. Back in college, my routine was very focused on studying and revising, that was pretty much all I knew and did. I didn’t really think about exploring new experiences or pushing myself outside of academics.

But being at university, especially here at Manchester Met, has completely opened my eyes. Now I actively look for new societies to join, different sports to try, and opportunities to meet new people.

My life feels so much more varied and full. It’s such a big shift from how I used to be, and honestly, I didn’t expect this level of personal growth.

University feels completely different from college, in the best possible way. I feel exposed to so many opportunities, and Manchester Met really offers things that not every university does. For example, we’re one of the few universities that get to compete under such unique competition conditions internationally, which has been such a standout experience for me.

Overall, I’m genuinely happy to be part of Manchester Met. I feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to step outside my comfort zone. And because of that, I’ve discovered a new side of myself. one that’s confident, curious, and always ready for the next opportunity.

Created by Jessica Reynolds, Blog Interviewer & Content Creator
If you’d like to be involved in a future blog post, please do reach out: J.Reynolds@mmu.ac.uk