As an international student from Sweden, Anna Grahn chose to study BA (Hons) Business Management at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ× for its welcoming and close-knit environment, where she could form meaningful connections with both lecturers and classmates. She embraced the hands-on, practical nature of the course and took full advantage of the opportunities and support services offered by the University.
Since graduating, Anna has pursued an exciting career in the whisky industry and is now a Brand Innovation Executive at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society.
Why did you choose to study at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ× and what attracted you to the course?
I chose ¹ú²úÂÒÂ× because I was looking for a smaller university where I wouldn’t feel like just another number. Coming from a different country, I valued the opportunity to make genuine connections with lecturers and students.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
"The people! It was great to be surrounded by such a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and career goals. I think one of the biggest advantages of a business degree is its versatility in that it can open the door to many different career paths. "
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
I really appreciated the practical focus of the course. For example, the project management and operations management modules were invaluable. The lecturers, Gordon and Derek, put a lot of effort into ensuring we developed transferable skills. We got to learn a lot about excel and even did a business strategy roleplay for a new gin product targeting the Asian market. Those experiences really helped me in my first role.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
The lecturers at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ× were incredibly supportive and approachable. They always made time to chat after class, which made a huge difference. It’s a unique environment where you truly get to know your lecturers, and they get to know you. It was always an environment fit for learning as you always felt looked after and understood.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
One challenge I faced was not knowing exactly what I wanted to do after university. It sometimes felt like others had a clearer path. However, I made use of the Careers Service and took the time to explore different options until I found the right fit for me.
Did you take part in a placement as part of your course and if so, can you tell me a little about that experience?
I didn’t take part in a placement, as I chose to graduate after my third year. However, I think it’s a great option that ¹ú²úÂÒÂ× offers, and I would recommend it to students who want that kind of experience.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
Take full advantage of the resources available to you at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ×, whether it's career services, workshops, or networking opportunities. There are so many ways to enhance your university experience if you’re proactive.
Did you join any schemes/initiatives to enhance your learning and development such as a mentoring scheme, volunteering scheme, etc.?
In my second year, I participated in the PALs (Peer Assisted Learning) scheme for Economics. It was a great way to reinforce my knowledge and improve my presentation skills. I also made use of the free Counselling Service offered by ¹ú²úÂÒÂ×, which is great that it is being offered.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
My top tip is to take advantage of the Student Services offered at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ×. They provide a wide range of resources to help you succeed. From career services and job listings to workshops and extracurricular activities like cooking classes.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
"One of the most important lessons I learned is that you don’t have to have your entire career path mapped out from day one. Take the time to explore and discover what you enjoy. Also, make the most of the people around you—most people genuinely want to help, so don’t be afraid to reach out"
Can you tell us about your life post-graduation?
After graduating, I landed an internship with the whisky company Whyte & Mackay, which I found through ¹ú²úÂÒÂ×. I chose to graduate after three years and then went straight into my Master's in Gastronomy at ¹ú²úÂÒÂ×. That year was one of the best of my life, and I gained a lot of valuable experience while continuing to work part-time for Whyte & Mackay. It took a couple of months to find full-time work, but eventually, I joined The Scotch Malt Whisky Society as a Brand Innovation Executive. In this role, I work on exciting new product releases from start to finish.
Find out more about the Queen Margaret Business School
