Maria Da Silva Perpetua

Why did you choose to study at Kent?

The fact that Kent’s International Business degree explored many different aspects of business really appealed to me. Then, I visited the campus and I just fell in love with it, it’s such a beautiful campus. I just really liked the vibe.

Had you always wanted to do study something business related?

I always wanted to go to university but I didn’t have a particular subject in mind. I took a Business Studies A level, which I really enjoyed and thought that a degree in business would open up lots of possibilities for me career wise. We are living in a globalised world, so international business felt like the right choice. I have an international background, I’m from Portugal but have been living in the UK since I was 16, so I could relate to it myself; it felt like a perfect fit for me.

What has been the highlight of your studies?

Probably my placement year, even though it was quite challenging it was an amazing opportunity. You learn so much about yourself and can road test a potential career that you are interested in.

Tell us about your year in industry?

I worked for a corporate events provider in central London and organised over 250 events. I was responsible for organising and planning events at one of their venues and also attended on the day to support clients. It was a very fast-paced role, no day was the same. It was demanding because I was dealing with corporate clients and had to be ready to help with whatever needed to be done.

It was a very valuable experience and I gained an awful lot from it in terms of personal and professional development.

Do you think that experience has helped you now that you are studying again?

I think your final year at university is challenging, but the resilience that I developed during my placement has really helped me to stay motivated and keep going. I definitely see a difference in myself this year.

Are your lecturers supportive?

I love learning from academics! The academics at Kent are friendly, easy to contact and willing to help. I have good relationships with all the academics I’ve studied with. They encourage you to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.

And your fellow students?

We are a large and diverse group. We work together a lot and it is really interesting to learn from different cultures and get a different perspective on things. And all the time you are making connections for your network, which is good too.

What do you think of the academic facilities?

The building where Kent Business School is based is lovely, super modern with really nice lecture theatres. The library too is very modern, and a great place to study. There are also other study hubs around campus you can go to.

And the social facilities?

There is a nightclub on campus – living five minutes from a nightclub is great! The sports facilities are very good and I like going to the gym so that worked well for me. There are lots of cafés too, the Gulbenkian is a nice spot to catch up with friends.

What do you think of Canterbury?

It’s a lovely city to walk around, quite quirky and the cathedral is so beautiful. In my second year, I worked at the Canterbury Cathedral Lodge; it was very nice just to be inside the precincts.

Have you joined any societies?

I was automatically a member of the Business Society and attended some events, it was good to meet new people and do some networking. I also joined the Current Affairs Society which was interesting as well. I am also a student rep.

Have you enjoyed being a student rep?

Yes I have. I think it’s important that student voices are heard and as a student rep you are in the middle between students and academic staff. It can be stressful at times but I have a good relationship with my Director of Studies. He is keen to hear what students have to say and cares about what we think, which helps me reassure other students that the University is listening and trying to improve.

Have you used the Careers and Employability Service?

They were really helpful throughout the process of applying for my placement year, helping with my CV, offering advice on how to approach interviews and being supportive when an application was unsuccessful. They also guide you as you start to think about your future career. It’s very reassuring to have their support. I would definitely recommend that students get in touch with the careers team.

What do you plan to do next?

I would like to work as a management consultant helping businesses to address the challenges they face, so am looking at roles in management consultancy firms. I think the range of areas I’ve covered in my degree, plus the transferable skills I’ve gained, the experience from my placement and the fact that I speak three languages, Portuguese, Spanish and English, will put me in a good position to take the first step.

What advice would you give to a prospective international business student?

I would say don’t be afraid to put yourself out of your comfort zone. I was outside of my comfort zone throughout my placement but I learnt so much from it personally and professionally. So just say yes to things and be as engaged as possible. As well as being a student rep I am part of the Athena Swan team at KBS, which works to improve gender equality at the School. So basically, there will be opportunities that come your way and even if they frighten you a bit, just say yes. It will really benefit you.