Karla Prime

MBA

Where are you from?

Trinidad and Tobago

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

I am an Alum and had a great experience here the first time and Northumbria offered the courses and experience that I want again this time around - lecturers with real life experience in their field, innovative methods of teaching, study missions, opportunities for networking. Northumbria is number 10 for graduate employability. Great student union societies with opportunities to take a leadership role. Newcastle is a great University town that has great restaurants, clubs and other social activities that I can get involved with in my spare time, not to mention the coast is just a short Metro ride away. It is a great location to get to anywhere in the UK and the Newcastle Airport has regular international flights to Europe and beyond.

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

Newcastle is a fantastic town. I love going to the coast to take photographs and enjoy the shops at the Coast. There is a lot more to Newcastle than just the clubs and pubs. The Sunday market at the Quayside during Spring, the variety of restaurants, ranging from traditional English pub grub to exotic Asian cuisine. Not to mention ice skating in winter at the Coast or at the Life Centre.

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

The friendliness of the people impressed me the most. I was very surprised by that. After spending time in London where the people are not quite as friendly, it was refreshing to come to Newcastle to be greeted by such friendly and welcoming people.

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

Northumbria University was very welcoming. Yes, it was easy to fit in. Even as an international student, it was great to feel accepted and welcomed by the staff and students of NU. The Administrative staff of the Corporate and Executive Department was also very helpful and made it easy to get acclimated to being a student again.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

Apart from the excellent lecturing on my course, I have surprisingly enjoyed the Music Society. It has become my family away from home. I have been able to get involved with volunteering activities at the Student Union and this has really been enjoyable and has made this an unforgettable experience. The Music Society and Volunteer Northumbria have made this an enjoyable experience and provided me with excellent opportunities to socialise with other students and contribute to the community and other students.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Both the Administrative staff of the Corporate and Executive Department, in particular Kirsty Setz-Clarke and Jane Carnaffan, my Ask Academic Skills lecturer have been the greatest help and support to me during my programme.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

Jane Carnaffan, Ask Academic Skills Lecturer has inspired me the most. She has provided invaluable support when it comes to my writing and has inspired me to go on to apply to do apply to do my PhD at Northumbria University.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The postgraduate hub on the 4th floor of City Campus East.

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

I am a member of the Music Society, the Classical Choir and get involved with Volunteer Northumbria. In particular the Music Society has become my family away from home. It has been one of, if not the main thing that has made coming back to Uni enjoyable and exciting. The Open Mic nights has also given me an opportunity to showcase my talents and make some great new friends and collaborate with other musicians and artistes.

What is the best thing about your course?

I have met innovative lecturers who have made learning at this level fun. They have been able to share real life experiences that are relevant and up to date. Not to mention they have provided support at every stage of the programme and driven me to continue to strive for excellence.

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

The most valuable lesson is to believe in yourself. I know now what I can accomplish and what I am capable of.

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 want to be a lecturer and continue to do research on innovation and productivity in emerging markets. The Ask Academic Writing module has provided me an understanding of academic writing and supported what I have learnt in Business Research Analysis. It has taught me how to translate and record my research results.

Have you taken up any opportunities to travel with your current course/undertake field trips? If so, please tell us about them.

We recently returned from a study mission to La Rochelle, France. We visited two companies and continued our exploration of diversity in the international business context and its role in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. It was a fantastic experience, not only in the class room, but outside. We were accompanied by students from other Master's courses and had an opportunity to socialise and network with my cohort and with other Masters students. Not to mention a brilliant opportunity to get to visit La Rochelle and Paris, definitely an experience of a lifetime.

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

There is certainly more to Northumbria University than just the excellent lecturing and networking opportunities. It is a great opportunity to experience English culture at its best. There are great opportunities to join exciting and engaging Student Societies with a chance to contribute to the Community and fellow students. There is so much to do in Newcastle, not just the clubs and pubs. And there are great facilities at Northumbria Sport.

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

My self esteem has certainly grown and so has my self-confidence. I have become more self-assured and confident in my own abilities and definitely been able to become more focused on what I want and where I want to be in the future.