Tommaso Lionelli : Business Management graduate
Tommaso is from Perugia in Italy and has studied the BA ( Hons ) Business Management . Whilst studying with QMU he has benefitted from The Vice Chancellor ’ s International Travel Fund . This provided £ 500 which helped pay for travel to the USA , allowing him to take advantage of a semester at Central Connecticut State University .
Tommaso shares his story of studying at QMU and enjoying student life in Edinburgh .
What attracted you to the course and why did you choose QMU ?
I chose the Business Management degree at QMU because I wanted to study business abroad . After researching the interesting subjects covered in the BA ( Hons ) Business Management , I spoke to QMU professors and students about the method of teaching and found out that QMU tried , where possible , to tailor learning to students ’ specific needs and interests . As English in not my native language , I thought that it would be good to have a solid academic support backing me up , especially in my first year . After having spent four years studying at QMU , I realised I could not made a better choice .
Anyone who comes to university from a previous non-U . K . education might find it challenging to adapt to the new way of teaching and learning , so it is important that they take full advantage of additional support offered by QMU departments . The University ’ s Effective Learning Service really helped me , particularly with improving my written English skills . The tutors also provided with advice and guidance on how to write a paper using references .
QMU ’ s Business Management students can take advantage of student exchanges to various destinations around the globe in the second or third year of the course *. I took up this opportunity and spent the Spring semester of 2017 in the USA at Central Connecticut State University . It was an
* Subject to availability incredible experience as this was my first time in America and it was interesting to benefit from a different style of learning and teaching . I met great people during the exchange and some of my new American friends even came to visit me in Scotland .
My exchange allowed me to travel across the east coast of America and I was able to experience different ways of learning as well as different cultures . The American system was quite different from both the UK and Italian teaching systems . Another great aspect of QMU is its employability service . The staff in the employability team were enthusiastic about helping students look for summer internships or prepare for graduate job interviews , and I would recommend students take advantage of these great servicers to improve their CVs and make them more attractive to employers .
Why did you choose to study in Edinburgh / Scotland ?
I chose to study in Edinburgh because the city is active , vibrant and the Scottish people are delightful and very friendly . I was also aware that Edinburgh is a real multicultural and international city , which embraces diversity and strongly fosters the integration of internationals in the Scottish society , so that was very appealing .
I have made many good friends throughout my four-years at QMU and in Edinburgh , and the network I have created are fantastic . Being a Business Management student , I also looked at the job market in Scotland . The University offers great internships and Scotland does have lots of excellent work opportunities . Last but not least , Edinburgh is home of some of the most incredible and fascinating art and musical festivals , and the city is flooded with tourists from all over the world in the summer when it hosts the Edinburgh International Festival and the Fringe .
Life in Edinburgh – what ’ s the best experience you ’ ve had so far in Edinburgh ? Are there any hidden ‘ gems ’ you ’ d like to share ?
I enjoy the Scottish outdoor environment . The places I like to visit the most are the Water of Leith and Dean Village and I enjoy cycling along the beautiful east coast from the town of Portobello towards North Berwick . Some people might say that the weather in Scotland is not the best , but I agree with the Scottish saying : “ In Scotland , there is no such thing as bad weather , only the wrong clothes ”. Oh , let ’ s not forget that up in the Highlands is possible to see the majestic Aurora Borealis ; believe me , that is an unforgettable experience .
Did you attend an Open Day ? If so was there any aspect of the University which made up your mind for you ?
I applied through the Clearing system , therefore I had limited chances to come to an open day . However , I managed to fly to Edinburgh for two days in August and I attended an open day . First , I was impressed by the facility itself . So many computers , quiet places allocated for study , and the sport centre is run by competent and professional gym attendees .
What ’ s been the highlight of the course so far ? What have you learnt , or which particular activity has been the most interesting ?
I came to QMU with a clear idea of why I wanted to pursue this degree . I wanted to learn managerial skills and be able to find a graduate job after graduation . The opportunities given to me throughout the degree , such as the exchange semester , and the support received throughout the whole degree , motivated me and enhanced my discipline and drive to be among the top-notch students in the Business Management course .
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