Meera Kakade

BA (Hons) Business with Human Resource Management

Where are you from?

Greater Manchester

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Northumbria has a great reputation and an award-winning business school. I was so impressed by the school when I visited for an open day and decided that it would be the best place for me to study and realise my full potential.

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

I have fallen in love with Newcastle! It's a fantastic city with so much to offer and a great place to be a student. Newcastle's nightlife is famous and attracts people from all over with its wide range of bars, clubs, pubs and restaurants; the city centre is buzzing every night of the week! Newcastle also offers brilliant shopping as well as world-class culture and the city is beautiful with some of the best architecture I've seen. My favourite things to do are shop and go for food and drinks along the Quayside. I consider Newcastle my second home.

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

The people. It's true what they say about the Geordies - they really are among the friendliest people with a great spirit!

Did you find Northumbria University welcoming? Was it easy to fit in?

Absolutely. The University's Welcome Week was a great way to kick-off my time at Northumbria and an opportunity to familiarise myself and meet new people. It didn't take me long to settle down and fit-in.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I enjoyed my course and loved every second of living in Newcastle. I also met some of the best people who I know I'll be friends with for a long time to come!

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

I have made some wonderful friends and without them, my experience at Northumbria wouldn't have been the same!

What is your favourite place on campus?

I like the Business and Law School... it's where I spent most of my time and it's a very cool building!

What is the best thing about your course?

My degree in Business with Human Resource Management enabled me to major in Business and take a few general business modules but also gradually focus more on HR modules which is where my interests lie. The balance of both general business and HR modules helped me to gain a stronger understanding of the role that HR plays in business and the business strategy that underpins the HR function which will benefit me in my future career.

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

To have more confidence in myself and my capabilities. Since being at Northumbria, I am much more aware of my potential and am more determined than ever to succeed.

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?

In the future, I hope to pursue a career in HR. I have gained many transferable skills during my time at Northumbria; I have learnt how to conduct myself as a professional and have developed my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, team-working skills, presentation skills and time-management and organisation skills.

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

My course provided the option to undertake an industrial placement year which was brilliant! I spent my year working in London at multinational pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). I thoroughly enjoyed my placement working within GSK's HR department and had so many great opportunities that have enhanced my CV. I met some amazing people who encouraged and inspired me and who were a great source of support throughout my final year of university when I was conducting my dissertation research. I started my placement during the time of the 2012 London Olympic Games and GSK were sponsors and carried out the drug-testing for the athletes. My most memorable experience was when Mo Farah came into work to do an interview... I have some photos of him and the huge crowd of employees doing the Mo-Bot!