Karen’s Journey with The Sino British College

Karen’s Journey

Around the world, graduates are finding increased competition for graduate entry level positions and that all important first step on the career ladder. As record numbers of students are being accepted onto undergraduate degree programmes, how can students differentiate themselves during their time at university?

Karen Abril Dominguez Montes, from Mexico, decided to set herself apart from the start by undertaking part of her undergraduate degree in Shanghai at The Sino British College. Not only did she gain credits towards her BA (Hons) International Business Management (with placement).

Studying at SBC in Shanghai was quite unique. For me it was about experiencing Chinese culture, meeting new people and learning the language. I’ve had a truly global learning and cultural experience.

As competition for graduate positions increases, it’s important to create a first impression once you start applying for jobs. Andrea Lloyd, an HR consultant commented

Employers are looking for more than just grades. They want employees to add value to the organisation and this typically means being able to demonstrate resilience, initiative, independence and an ability to think on your feet. What better way to show these skills than having lived and studied in a foreign environment. With China being such an important economic player in the world, having learnt Mandarin is surely an absolute asset, too.

Always thinking ahead to her future career, Karen had chosen a degree course with a placement. Placement years give students the opportunity to gain real work experience as part of their degree course.

I went back to Mexico to work for a marketing company. I gained experience as a project manager on a trade mission, travelling to Guatemala and Costa Rica to oversee operations and coordinating the event.

Now in her final year, Karen is preparing for her exams and after completing her degree hopes to work for a large multinational corporation in her home country, Mexico.

The Sino British College itself hosts about 100 international students annually from nearly 30 countries and regions, providing those students with a unique cross-cultural experience both inside and outside the classroom. NCUK students can start the first year of the undergraduate degree in Shanghai, Beijing, Islamabad, Lagos, Delhi, Manchester and London.