My decision to return to Salford Business School is rooted in my desire to build upon the foundations I established during my undergraduate studies here. I graduated in 2014 with a BSc in Business with Financial Management, complemented by an elective in Mandarin Chinese. Returning to Salford feels both meaningful and nostalgic; the twelve years since I first walked these corridors have shown me how much I’ve grown, personally and academically, and how ready I am to reengage with higher learning.
The Global MBA enables me to strengthen these foundations through a broader, international lens. It aligns closely with my ambition to deepen my understanding of China, reconnect with the Mandarin language, and gain more nuanced insight into Chinese business practices and culture. This global perspective represents a natural next step in expanding my knowledge and immersing myself in areas of study that have long been important to me.
What I have loved most about the course so far is the opportunity to engage in discussions on topics I feel genuinely passionate about. While my fascination with China continues to grow, I have also developed a deep interest in behavioural economics and social psychology in business. The GMBA assessments have allowed me to integrate theory into my arguments, enabling me to approach business dilemmas with stronger, evidence-based analysis.
The module I have enjoyed the most to date, however, is Knowing and Developing Yourself for Professional Success. This was a significant eyeopener and helped me realise that reflective practice is a lifelong professional commitment. My career mentor, Douglas Smith MBA, has played a pivotal role in this journey over the past year. He has supported me in building confidence, offered invaluable, actionable advice, and quite impressively, serves as a walking dictionary of business theories. After completing the module, I now understand why Douglas provided many of his earlier criticisms before I even began this journey; they were essential in preparing me for the depth of reflection required. Embracing vulnerability and developing emotional intelligence proved to be key components of the module—and these are attributes increasingly vital in today’s business world.
To build on this, Dr Lisa ReesO’Donnell has also been an incredible influence during my GMBA journey. I vividly remember feeling lost and overwhelmed during the first six weeks of trimester one, having been out of education for eleven years. Lisa guided me patiently and constructively, helping me understand what was expected at GMBA level and supporting me in developing the skills I needed to perform with confidence. Her guidance enabled me to achieve Distinctions in both of my modules that trimester. What I value most is her ability to provide clear, detailed feedback and practical roadmaps that help me continuously improve. Even now, during Trimester 2, she continues to support my development, often responding promptly even during evenings and weekends, to help strengthen my critical thinking and analysis.
As a fulltime employee at Sunbelt Rentals UK, I also value how the GMBA is designed around the realities of employment. The online delivery makes the course truly accessible, and its flexibility allows me to apply what I am learning directly to realworld situations in my role. This integration of study and work has been one of the most beneficial aspects of the programme so far, reinforcing my learning in a meaningful and immediate way.
My advice for future students would be to keep an open mind and never hesitate to ask questions—even the ones that might feel silly. Curiosity is a powerful tool. Most importantly, enjoy the journey and give yourself the space to overcome selfdoubt. Growth takes time, reflection, and a willingness to embrace the learning process.
In reflection, my GMBA journey at Salford Business School has been one of rediscovery, growth, and renewed purpose. It has reconnected me with subjects I am passionate about, challenged me to think with greater depth and confidence, and surrounded me with mentors who genuinely care about my development. This experience has not only strengthened my academic foundations but has also reshaped the way I approach learning, work, and personal progression. I am profoundly grateful for the guidance, encouragement, and opportunities I have received, and I look forward to continuing this journey with a greater sense of clarity, ambition, and belief in what I can achieve.
If you’d like to find out more about the Online Global MBA course, visit our website or call our Course Enquiries Team on 0161 295 4545.