Hello, my name is Kainat Tariq. I am in my last year of a 3-year degree programme, BA (Hons) Business with Marketing, at the University of Greenwich.
I chose this degree because I have always wanted to work in marketing, create campaigns and advertisements, and develop strategies for businesses to be more successful.
One of my many interests has been to do research, identify problems, and find solutions for these problems. I've always been competitive and wanted the best result in everything I got involved in.
What do you think makes Greenwich stand out?
Prior to this degree, I have completed one year of BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at another university in London. The overall experience made me realise that when I do marketing I want to be in a space where I can achieve maximum levels of help and results.
According to the Complete University Guide, the University of Greenwich was in the top 5 for Marketing when I had started. I have had conversations with people who have had great experiences at the university and this really pushed me to come here.
As a student, I have had a great support from all my tutors, lecturers, and the business department in general. The library runs weekly sessions to help students with assignments - these are really useful as they help you see the question from different perspectives.
Other than that, I loved the scenery, the fresh atmosphere, and the view from the university which really gives you a breather and helps to be calm and relieve stress.
What are the three best things about your course?
Lecturers and tutors are always available to help even after office hours, they constantly run weekly or monthly meetings to check up on your progress or help if needed.
Personal and professional development module that helped me with my job applications as I had to write some for assessments within that module. It has increased my knowledge of professionalism and the attributes that are needed in the workplace.
Networking has been a huge part of my course, from having group works to communicating with guest speakers. All of it has taught me to be more social and create long-lasting relationships to create better opportunities in the future.
What subject interested you most and why?
Business planning and development appealed to me as it helped me to understand what to include in the first step of any business creation and how to develop it further by avoiding problems or minimising the risks involved.
How has your course helped develop your passions?
As I am very close to launching my business, this course has helped me to understand the important fundamentals and strategies of how to market my brand.
Also, the Greenwich Employability Passport allows me to undertake extracurricular activities outside of academia such as being an Event Manager for PAKSOC.
What's your favourite module?
I have liked all my modules but the consultancy project is the one that I am most looking forward to. It is my final year project and I have already started my research.
My lecturer and tutor Rob is very helpful and always makes time for us outside his hours, to ensure we get the best understanding of the overall topic and achieve the best grade at the end of the year.
How are you finding blended learning?
In my opinion, I am glad that due to the pandemic and the shift in the overall quality of life education hasn't been compromised. As a third-year student, I was frightened to do my course online as I was not aware of the lecturers and tutors would be able to support us online as much as in person. However, I am really pleased with the support and this type of learning allows me to spend more time studying rather than travelling for 4 hours a day to university.
What career you are working towards?
Currently, I have a part-time office-based job. I am expecting to make an entrance in entrepreneurship and have my own company by the start of 2021 and start being my own boss to have a successful and a life full of leverage.
What are your plans for the future?
As I graduate this year, I want to start my own beauty company and continue working at my current job so I can invest more money into my company. Currently, I am working on my plan and research therefore I can launch with fewer mistakes and create value for customers.
What advice would you give to people thinking about applying to Greenwich?
Trust your decision making, try to speak to your lecturers before you start the course, and get a bit of knowledge about the course you are going to learn. Never be afraid to ask the same questions, everyone at the university is very helpful and kind from lecturers to the library team. It is a great place to be, you will get to learn phenomenal things and be inspired by other people and their stories.
