Priyanka Lachharam Choudhary, an MSc Organisational Psychology student, recently spoke to us about why she chose to study at Alliance MBS, her career since graduating in 2018 and advice for potential students on the course.
1. Why did you choose to study this Masters course at Alliance Manchester Business School?
I’ve always been interested in Psychology as well as in Business studies, this excellently curated course provided me with the opportunity to study human behaviour in the workplace, learning how to make businesses more efficient and employees happier at their jobs. Moreover, the research skills module in my course helps me develop the necessary technical skills and finally, the degree is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) which will help me become a Chartered Occupational Psychologist.
2. What were you doing before your MSc?
I was doing my Bachelors in BA - Psychology in Mumbai, India, and was working part-time. I have worked in sales & operations at a travel company, have done two psychology internships, and worked in recruitment & training at a health insurance company throughout my bachelor’s degree. In my final year, I decided to pursue a Masters course.
3. What is the best thing about studying at Alliance MBS?
The best part for me is the teaching, I absolutely love attending lectures, they are engaging and delivered very well. My professors are some of the brightest minds I have ever met, and it is an opportunity to be able to learn from them and have intellectually stimulating conversations with, they are beyond helpful with any academic difficulties I have and create an excellent learning environment. Additionally, I love the Eddie Davis Library, the studying spaces are beautifully designed, and the building is only accessible to the Business School students.
4. Have you secured a graduate job? (organisation, location, role)
Yes, I have secured a HR Graduate Scheme at NATS Holdings, based in Whiteley, Southampton. It’s an Air Traffic Service company. It's a 2-year program, my role will be in the HR department, where I will be trained to build expertise and knowledge across areas such as Reward, Talent Management, Business Partnering and Organisation Design & Development. It will build upon what I have learned in my degree and give me the opportunity to gain practical experience in the field.
5. What made you want to work within this field?
Since most people spend most of their time at work, it is important to ensure that each individual is satisfied, happy, and reaching their full potential at work, along with making sure that the right people are in the right jobs, the challenges concerning all these aspects fascinated me. I have been keen on working in the corporate world and didn’t find a better area than working in the people side of the business world, since people are what makes a company, approaching it from a psychological perspective provides me with a unique understanding and I hope to apply scientific knowledge in making the corporate world better for employees.
6. When does this role begin?
The role begins on 5th September 2022, right after when my master’s degree ends.
7. What advice would you give to current students looking to secure graduate roles?
Firstly, I would recommend starting to apply as soon as possible, preferably in September or October, which is when your degree begins. I understand it’s overwhelming and a lot to juggle at the same time, but prioritizing applying for jobs as much as I prioritized my degree and managing my time between the two appropriately was what helped me. Secondly, a graduate scheme will often have psychometric assessments in the beginning stages, practicing these (The University of Manchester provides great resources with practice tests on their website) before giving actual assessments is beneficial. Secondly, seek out the careers service, AMBS has its own career service (CareerConnect) and ask them any doubts you may have. Finally, rejections are normal, don’t get disheartened, use the feedback you get to do better in your next assessment.
8. What advice would you give to those considering studying at Alliance MBS?
My advice would be to seek out and seize every opportunity, right from applying to the Business School to engaging yourself in the lectures, having discussions with your professors, taking part in various events/activities here at the Business School and anything else that is on your priority list. Along with that, Manchester is a great city and has a lot to offer, it’s a friendly student city and this helps in growing not only professionally but also personally and I would recommend making the most of it. Finally, don’t be afraid of any of it, you won’t know some things and you will be wrong sometimes but the staff at AMBS and the friends you make here will help you through it.
