Hannah Weir

Business with Marketing Management

Where are you from?

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Why did you choose Northumbria University, Newcastle?

Newcastle has a beautiful Quayside and the University has a fantastic student atmosphere, with some fantastic societies.

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

Newcastle is an amazing city. There is so much to do and see in and around Newcastle. From fantastic shops, quaint markets, beautiful bright Quayside, to brilliant night life, Newcastle has been a place where I have felt at home right front the start. And not to mention the hidden history that Newcastle holds, it really is my favourite place I live.

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

I have been surprised of how pleasant the locals are. Geordies really are all kind funny people who are keen to help when needed. I was surprised of how safe I felt in and around the city at night time and not to mention how clean and well presented the city is in general. But what impresses me the most is the beautiful views around the Quayside at night.

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

I studied my undergraduate at Northumbria and loved every minute, so it was natural of me to continue my postgraduate studies at Northumbria University. From day one, I felt straight at home. The support that other students offered, along with the university, with help moving and settling into university life was very beneficial.

What have you enjoyed most about coming to Northumbria University?

I have received some incredible opportunities from studying at Northumbria, along with some brilliant international experiences. Throughout University, I have been a keen member of Societies and found them a great way to meet new people as well as represent the university. Northumbria has got some brilliant sporting facilities which was always a very enjoyable to wind down and relax from my studies.

Who has helped you most since you came to Northumbria?

Since coming to University, if I've needed help, the lectures have always been very sincere and always informed me where I could go to get the correct help and support when I needed it.

Who has inspired you most at Northumbria University?

At University it is very easy to lose the drive to continue on within the course when work levels increase but one thing which has influenced me the most was the passionate lectures. My lectures have all been very genuine and very honest which has inspired me to do well, as they gained my respect which led me to respect my goals.

What is your favourite place on campus?

The first floor at the City Library is my favourite place to be. It sounds daft but I love having the social/work ethos. You are able to chill out with friends and see who you know but at the same time get on with your work. It makes doing work less hard work.

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

Throughout my time at University, I joined the netball and basketball clubs. Although my course was very demanding these clubs where great fun to join and enabled me to make some cool friends. As a sociable person, I joined the University Welcome Week team and also the Raise and Give charity society. These societies provided some amazing memories that I will hold for life, as well as all the brilliant benefits they have added to my CV. My society highlights would defiantly have to be RAG, we all worked together as a group to fundraiser for charities but at the same time we had brilliant fun doing so.

What is the best thing about your course?

Now with my MSc course in Business with Marketing Management, the best thing is how multi-cultural it is. I have reviewed some incredible opportunities working with students who I usually wouldn't mix with and have been able to make some fun friendships. As a course all the lectures are all very genuine and offer a high level of support and guidance for a peers.

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

One of the most valuable lessons that I have learnt, is to never be scared to change your dreams and career. My first degree was in Primary Teaching so I learnt a hard lesson in taking a leap of faith and not being scared to change your career. If you are driven and passionate about something then you got to go for it or else you will always live I'm regret.

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 would like to combine my two degrees and become a successful business owner, and open an educational centre. I want to combine the skills that I have learnt on my both degrees and use them to become a successful manager and business woman. My time at University has made me become who I am today, a young ambitious, independent woman who is ready for the future.

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

I have received some incredible opportunities within working globally as a business development executive for a jewellery firm as an international buyer. My experiences led me to representing the company globally within Hong Kong and Dubai. The opportunities that I got has provided me with the drive to succeed within my studies and have made me aspire for a successful future.

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

Through my MSc I have applied to do an exchange with a German university for a term. I am awaiting to hear the response.

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

Do it. Come. It will be the best decision that you will make. I came to university looking for the social life and wanting to learn who I am as a person, but what I have gained is so much more. I have learnt who I am as a person, what I want in life and what is important to me. Newcastle has been an amazing city as a student and it helps that it is light on the pennies too. I would recommend Northumbria to anyone.

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

As a person I came to university at the young age of 18. I didn't know what to expect. It was a big step for me to back up my bags and move to University where I knew nobody, but it was the best decision of my life. I made some wrong mistakes, as most people will and do at University, but my time at Northumbria has made me become a young ambitious independent woman who is ready for the next chapter. I have been blessed to have received the opportunities that I have had and the people I have met a long the way. It has helped build my self confidence and interpersonal skills. I came to university as a young girl and I am proud to say I will graduate with a MSc as a woman.