Zulaiha wanted to change career and move into HR management. Find out how her Master’s at Portsmouth gave her the tools she needs, professionally and personally.
Back home in Nigeria, I was a banker. During my career, I developed leadership and people skills. I felt the need to hone these skills, so I could progress in my career.
I realised that a Master’s in Human Resource Management was the best fit for my career ambitions. My employer in Nigeria told me about the University of Portsmouth. I was attracted by the ranking, diversity and modules offered by the Uni.
The offer to study at Portsmouth made me believe that I can become all I want to become, irrespective of where I am coming from.
I second-guessed myself during my application to Portsmouth because my undergraduate degree was in a science subject. I was not sure I would be offered a place to study on a social science course.
But to my surprise, Portsmouth gave me a chance when I mentioned in my personal statement how my work experience had made me rediscover my purpose. The offer to study at Portsmouth made me believe that I can become all I want to become, irrespective of where I am coming from.
Developing people skills in an inclusive environment
International Human Resource Management is a course that entails emotional intelligence. To be able to live well with people from diverse backgrounds, we need to be emotionally intelligent. My communication skills and adaptability have grown tremendously. It helps that the University is highly diverse and inclusive.
I have observed a significant improvement in a variety of personal and professional skills through academic research, teamwork and multi-tasking. My abilities have developed as a result of knowledge imparted by my lecturers.
Understanding the value I can bring to global employers
Studying at the University of Portsmouth goes beyond achieving an academic title and certificates. I have built a good network among my course mates and tutors.
My communication skills and adaptability have grown tremendously. It helps that the University is highly diverse and inclusive.
I have a better understanding of international human resource management, which has left me with more career choices. I am also better at understanding what I can offer the global career space, because I have learned that I am the value.
I look forward to becoming an onboarding officer after my studies. I understand this might not be easy but I will continue to learn through my own personal research. I believe there is a reward for hard work, which is success.