This week, Salford Business School proudly celebrated our winter graduates, who have completed their degrees and are stepping into the next stage of their journeys. Across every course, students have applied their skills, led innovative projects, and tackled challenges with resilience and creativity, ready to make their mark on the world.
Among this year’s celebrations, we also recognised our honorary graduate, Sir Rod Aldridge, and featured an exceptional student, Christina. You can read their full stories on our website: News | University of Salford
Below, we highlight a few of the inspiring stories from our graduate students.
Darina Jasanova – MSc Operations Management and Business Analytics, Distinction
Darina’s journey is one of resilience, curiosity and professional growth. As an international student living abroad for the first time, she faced the challenge of adjusting to a new country without her family while tackling a demanding MSc programme. Personal loss during her studies made it even tougher, but she threw herself into her work and drew strength from her support network.
“The course structure actually helped, having that focus and throwing myself into my dissertation and coursework became a way to push through,” she reflected.
Highlights from her time at Salford included her dissertation on business intelligence applications in supply chain management, which allowed her to connect theory with real-world challenges. She also participated in the ‘global business challenge,’ helping a real business solve operational problems – experience she says was invaluable.
Her proudest moments include receiving her first ever mark of 96 out of 100 for Project Management and scoring 86 on her dissertation: “I remember just staring at it thinking ‘okay, maybe I actually can do this.’ Then scoring 86 on my dissertation felt equally special because of everything I’d been through while writing it.”
Darina has already started her post-graduation career as a Logistics Analyst at an American oil and gas company, where she manages end-to-end logistics coordination, analyses supply chain data to optimise operational efficiency, and provides insights that support strategic decision-making. Her motivation comes from continuous learning and problem-solving: “I love the challenge of tackling complex problems and finding creative solutions that actually make a difference. Getting to learn something new every day and seeing how data-driven decisions impact real business outcomes – that’s what keeps me going.”
Her advice for future students? “Be curious and go beyond what’s in the syllabus. When you come across new tools or concepts, take the initiative to learn more on your own. Employers really value people who show genuine enthusiasm for learning and can teach themselves.”
Raymond Asaaju – MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Distinction
Raymond’s journey showcases ambition, determination and growth. Early in his studies, balancing academic work with social pressures was challenging, but he used these moments as motivation to achieve a distinction.
He overcame personal challenges, including developing confidence in public speaking, using University workshops and support to refine his presentation skills.
Raymond’s proudest moments include leading his ES2 group project, where he coordinated a team to deliver exceptional results: “The true pinnacle was the outcome of our ES2 group project. Leading that effort and successfully coordinating my team to deliver such a high standard felt like a genuine preview of my professional capabilities.”
His advice to future students reflects his drive: “Set a clear, ambitious benchmark for yourself, but also maintain a healthy professional balance to prevent burnout. Be resourceful and proactive, and don’t hesitate to engage the wealth of supportive systems the University offers.”
Roxan Gardner – MSc Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Distinction
Roxan’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance. Balancing a Master’s programme with work was demanding, and she also faced a possible health scare during the festive season while completing major assignments.
She credits the support of the lecturers, whose encouragement helped her navigate this difficult time, and her faith and family, particularly her husband, as her biggest motivators.
Roxan has now relocated to the Caribbean, where she plans to explore beekeeping as a business. She reflects on how her course has shaped her perspective: “In the next five years, I see myself working on projects for my church and earning an income from my different business ventures.”
Her advice to future students: “I would advise them to go for it. It’s a valuable programme, and you can learn a lot not only from the lecturers but also from your peers. Having a University degree broadened my horizons and helped me see and do things I thought I would not be able to accomplish.”
Celebrating the entire cohort
While these stories are just a few examples, they reflect the resilience of this graduating cohort. Across every course, students have applied their skills, embraced challenges and contributed to projects that make a real difference.
Congratulations to all of our winter graduates on your achievements – we look forward to seeing how you shape the future with creativity, professionalism and purpose.