We spoke to Ella Annable, BSc International Management and American Business Studies student, about her AMBS experience and studying abroad.
1. Why did you choose to study this Undergraduate course at Alliance Manchester Business School?
I remember years back being completely won over by the actual campus and all the amazing structures. The architecture on campus with the contrast of old and new buildings is what pulled me in and then everything I learnt following that sealed the deal.
2. What were you doing before your BSc
Before University I attended a 6th form in Nottinghamshire, England to complete my A levels. I did Business, Geography and Psychology and got A*, A and B.
3. What is the best thing about studying at Alliance MBS?
For me it was the people, I loved spending the day studying at AMBS because you would run into so many people you knew. It’s a fantastic area just for business students. Friends you’ve made from classes over the years would be there and catching up at the downstairs café during study sessions, for example, would shine a little light on those dreaded exam periods. AMBS is full of incredibly motivated individuals, all on their own unique and exciting journeys with differing goals but similar passion, it’s hard not to feel inspired when surrounding yourself with those types of people.
4. Did you go on a placement abroad?
I went to The University of British Columbia in Vancouver Canada. It was a truly amazing experience to spend a whole academic year there.
5. How was your experience, what did you get up to? How did you decide where to go?
There was a lot of exploring, swimming and skiing! Vancouver is an absolutely beautiful city, there’s not many in the world where you can see the sea meeting the city in front of a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. It really is just how it looks in photos, if not even more breath taking when you’re actually there. A lot of time was spent with other exchange students as well as integrating in with UBC students; going on hikes, trying local sea food and going to frat parties would definitely accurately describe our year! Wanting to fully immerse myself into North American college life I wanted to see if the Greek system was just like the ‘movies’ and I can whole heartedly say it’s pretty hilarious and a great way to make friends!
The decision to go to UBC was generally fuelled by its proximity to incredible nature. After spending years in Manchester and our most local ‘water feature’ being the canal, to have the opportunity to have the North Pacific Ocean outside your window and on your front doorstep was incredible.
6. Have you secured a graduate job?
Yes! A huge part of my exchange was actually preparing for graduate life, even if I didn’t realise it at the start. Unconventionally we had our exchange in our 4th year due to it being pushed because of the pandemic. Because of this I knew I had to dedicate some of my time to thinking about post graduate life. Knowing I also wanted to have some amazing experiences in Vancouver I started looking for a part time job and found Deciem (the Canadian skincare company and owners of The Ordinary) were hiring. I was so excited to get a part time position as a skincare consultant and worked incredibly hard to balance that and studying as well as making time to explore and have fun over the year. As time passed I not only fell in love with the products, I also fell for the company itself and at the beginning of 2022 I made the decision to put everything into it in the hopes of getting a full time position in the office come summer. I was elected onto the DEI advisory board (following my ongoing gender inequality work in Manchester) and was asked to run the International Women’s Day campaign for the company in March, presenting the campaign to the board which included the CEO was a really special true pinch me moment. I was then given the opportunity to fly to LA in April to help run The Ordinary pop up at The Grove – a very very cool ‘work trip’. Following on from that I then applied and was offered a permanent marketing and sustainability associate position at their head office in Toronto. Grad job secured! It was a lot of hard work and the balancing act was a serious and tiring performance but I’m so incredibly proud of what I was able to achieve whilst in Vancouver and wouldn’t be in Toronto now if it wasn’t for my exchange opportunity!
7. What made you want to work within this field – what will the role entail?
I have always loved skincare, I love what it stands for and I particularly love how accessible brands like The Ordinary are for everyone. Being able to create a synergy between that love and my passion for marketing and branding alongside sustainability and social impact felt incredibly special. My role will involve circumnavigating marketing activities such as content creation, data collection, consumer education and ecommerce distribution. I will also be working with the Senior Director of Sustainability and Social Impact to help foster relationships with organisations the brands partner with. It’s hard not to feel uncomfortable at times for taking up as much space as we do in this world, but taking part and advocating for what I believe is right makes everything feel slightly less meaningless and contributes to a part of myself that makes me feel whole.
8. When does this role begin?
Right now! I’m actually in Toronto in my new apartment as I’m writing this. It’s been a total whirlwind but in the best way possible.
9. What advice do you have to anyone considering studying abroad?
I would say do it and give it everything you have, the studying part is important yes, but you truly can make something incredible for yourself, whether it’s the relationships, the future or the experiences you make – just be brave.
10. What advice would you give to those considering studying at Alliance MBS?
AMBS is truly an incredible place to get a degree, everyone wants you to succeed and be the best version of yourself. You have so many people in your corner, albeit tutors, friends or lecturers – it’s like your very own cheerleading squad. It has been an integral part of my university and graduate success and I can’t thank them enough for all that school has done.
