Sophie Hardy

Business Information Systems Management

Where are you from?

Richmond, North Yorkshire

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

The course was the right one for me, it covered all of my interests and future aspirations. Close proximity to home (parents) Friendly region.

What do you think of Newcastle and our region and what are your favourite things to do?

I think it is a fantastic region. During my final year as part of the graduate enterprise module I was able to create a product and take it market (with another 5 members of my team) and the product turned out to be a huge hit for this region and we sold it in the Biscuit Facotry and the Heaton Wood Store. Some of my favorite things to do in Newcastle: shopping, eating out in all of Newcastle's fancy restaurants, sight seeing (visiting the art galleries e.g. Baltic and Biscuit Factory), walking aorund the Quayside, the list is endless!

What has surprised you most about living in Newcastle and this region? What has impressed you most?

The whole region is extremely friendly and people are willing to help you when you ask. The vast amount of shops and job opportunieis are fantastic and within close proximity of the university. Also how the university/city caters for students e.g. there are plenty of places to purchase equipment required for study or project binding etc.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have enjoyed meeting new people and my course. The wide range of activities and shows that Northumbria university are also brilliant and offer a chance to unwind when not studying.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

During my time spent at Northumbria absolutely all of my lecturers were so helpful, approachable and friendly. Also careers and the placement office offered their support during my time applying for placements/graduate schemes.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

One module called Graduate Enterprise invited guest speakers during lectures. These were truely inspirational as they were currently out there managing their own business or enterprise and I learnt a great deal of business techniques such as networking, design operations and business from them.

What is your favourite place on campus?

Currently as I am studying my final year - the library! I also enjoy working in Pandon Basement and The Zone.

Have you joined any sports teams, clubs or been involved in any volunteer projects? Tells us about the highlights?

I am a student mentor, completed certified Pass+ Learning Leader Training. Student representative for my course and I have been awarded a bronze global citizenship certificate for my dedication as a course representative for Northumbria Students' Union.

What is the best thing about your course?

The lecturers. The opportunities of a placement. Setting up my own buisness with young enterprise and been able to attend regional events and win awards.

What are the most valuable lessons you have learnt to date?

How to set up and run a successful business. Project management - successfully running a project from requirements gathering to completion

What do you want to do in the future? What skills have you learned/improved that you think will be of most use in your future career?

trong knowledge of Project Management Methodology and tools. Trained on corporate compliance for Data Operations & Infrastructure change management. Excellent interpersonal skills. I am comfortable in both leadership and player roles and understand for a team to work you have to communicate effectively showing commitment to diversity and equal opportunities. Strong knowledge of Nissan's new Mid-Term Plan and Nissan?s Global IS mid-term plan. Presentation skills ? Represented Nissan at university and presented my time on Placement. Software: Microsoft Office 2007 and 2010 ? Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint Designer, Outlook, Access, Project and I have an appreciation of, Visual Basic.net 2008, Visual Studio and Oracle for SQL. Programming & Development Languages: I have an appreciation of HTML, UML, PHP, Visual Basic & SQL. In the future I am hopeful to gain a graduate job at Nissan in IT or IS.

Have you worked on any projects with businesses or been on a placement? What were your most memorable experiences?

I was on placement in 2012-2013 at Nissan Motor Manufacturing Ltd and I worked in Information Systems: Quality and Resource Management (ISQRM), a team which was a global virtual team. I thoroughly enjoyed my time on placement so much so I was offered a part-time job opportunity during my final year of university. My most memorable experience on placement were: Task:- VITESSE Programme, coordinating & updating Status Reports for Nissan?s mid-term plan. Task:- JSOX, which involves assessing compliance within data operations and infrastructure change management. Task:- Key contact for ISQRM Monthly Reporting IS/IT activities. Project:- Request for Proposal for Core Activity & VMO. Working on documentation & the Vendor selection process. Project:- Production/designing of posters assisting the wider communication of VITESSE. Achievements:- Managing my own project using appropriate project methodology. This project simplified the current Benchmark Excel Spreadsheet & created a new formula for calculating FP Counts. Completed certified PM Way training & Presentation Skills training as well as developed other skills such as time management, assertive, negotiation, design, research, business, communication, decision making, organisation, creativity, & team working. Overall, I have really enjoyed my placement year and I now have a strong knowledge of working in industry & I believe what I have learnt and the skills I have gained will help me during final year & also when looking for a graduate job. Producing the Placement Portfolio I felt also helped me reflect upon & understand my own personal development as I progressed through the year.

If you could offer some advice to students thinking of coming to study here what would you say?

Embrace the opportunities that are offered by Northumbria University. Get actively involved with the activities open to you. Begin assignments early - don't leave them until the last minute. Although, always study hard make sure you make time to yourself.

How do you feel you have changed as a person since being at Northumbria University, Newcastle (e.g. confidence)?

I am definitely a much more confident and mature person. I have learnt new skills and new software e.g. coding and it has broadened my outlook on life.