How Salford helped Ernest find a job with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce

“I studied for my undergraduate degree in the UK. I found this a truly rewarding experience both academically and personally. The supportive environment, high-quality teaching and diverse communities left a lasting impression on me. Therefore, when I decided to pursue a master’s choosing to continue in the UK was an easy decision for me. 

I chose Salford because of its strong connections with industry, which would provide valuable opportunities for me to gain real-world experience, work on live projects, and build connections to enhance my career prospects.”

“I gained a broad range of valuable skills as part of my course. Two that stand out in particular are project management and digital transformation. 

I learned how to effectively plan, organise, and deliver projects while adapting to unforeseen challenges and meeting stakeholder expectations. I also developed a strong understanding of digital transformation - exploring how technology can be leveraged to enhance efficiency and drive innovation. 

Together, these skills have not only equipped me to thrive in a fast-paced environment but also enabled me to contribute to meaningful change within my organisation. 

The most valuable part of my course was the opportunity to work on live projects. These projects gave me practical, hands-on experiences that went far beyond theory. I found it particularly rewarding to apply concepts I had learned in real-world scenarios, solving problems that closely mirrored those I would encounter in the workplace. 

During my job interview, I was asked a scenario-based question that was strikingly similar to one of the live projects I had completed during my studies. I felt more confident in my response, and I was able to demonstrate not only my knowledge but my ability to apply it effectively. 

This showcases just how vital these live projects were to my professional success.” 

“I loved the green spaces around Salford, like Peel Park. They were perfect for taking a break from studying and just enjoying the fresh air. The cultural side of Salford was my favourite part of the area such as the museums, music venues, and MediaCity. 

My favourite memories are the friendships I built, not just with my course mates, but with my lecturers as well. The best times were late-night study sessions, group projects, or simply spending time in Peel Park.” 

“I secured a role as a Business Analyst in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world business environment. During this role, I led a two-year digital partnership with the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the University of Salford, which focused on implementing innovative digital solutions to improve efficiency, enhance data-driven decision-making, and support sustainable business growth. 

Upon successful completion of the project, I was offered a permanent position with the Chamber of Commerce as a Digital Transformation and Research Support Officer. In this role, I contribute to the organisation’s digital strategy, support research initiatives, and drive ongoing improvements in business processes.”