Mariam's decision to join the MA International Business programme came from experience rather than a straight academic route.
She originally studied English Language for her bachelor’s degree, but alongside that, she began building her skills in data analytics and even launched her own beauty business, lashedbyk. While the business had potential, she quickly realised that passion alone was not enough to sustain it.
“I couldn’t keep up with it because I didn’t have the right resources and business knowledge,” she explains. “That experience is what pushed me to choose International Business at Greenwich. I wanted to learn and experience certain business criteria which an entrepreneur needed.”
London was also a big part of that decision.
“I’ve always wanted to come to London, and this opportunity felt perfect for me, allowing me to further my education while also experiencing a city I’ve always dreamed of. In a way, it really feels like killing two birds with one stone.”
Projects that reshaped how she sees global business
Two major parts of the course have significantly challenged Mariam and reshaped her perspective on international business. The first was the business simulation game, which she describes as a real eye-opener into how companies operate in the corporate world. Through the simulation, she gained hands-on insight into KPIs, sustainability, finance, and how businesses adapt when entering different countries.
Over the four weeks of the simulation, her mindset shifted with each round. She had to make important decisions based on data, strategy, and future planning, rather than instinct alone. “It genuinely helped me understand business analytics on a deeper level,” she says, adding that it was one of the first times she truly felt like she was thinking and acting like a business professional rather than just studying the subject.
The second experience was working with people from diverse backgrounds through The Generator project. Collaborating with individuals from different cultures helped her appreciate how varied perspectives influence teamwork and problem-solving. It broadened her understanding of what it truly means to work in an international environment and changed the way she views global business interactions.
Beyond academics...
Beyond the academic content, Mariam speaks honestly about how much the course has changed her mindset. “Honestly, this course has changed my mindset completely and pushed me to always strive for the best version of myself.” She has always lived by the notion that “it’s not over till it’s over,” and studying at Greenwich has strengthened that drive, reminding her to keep pushing until there is nothing left to give.
The programme has also opened doors she did not expect. She talks about learning how to network with confidence and how to pitch herself professionally, skills that have made her more self-aware and intentional about her future. Along the way, she has been exposed to seminars and opportunities she never imagined being part of, which has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
“Professionally, I still see myself as a work in progress,” she says, “but this course has given me a strong foundation and the belief that I’m moving in the right direction. I have no doubt that I’ll get to where I want to be very soon.”
Life in London and the wider Greenwich experience
Outside the classroom, living in London has played a huge role in shaping Mariam’s experience. Exploring different parts of the university and the city itself has helped her grow in ways that go beyond her studies. From going to musicals and watching movies to simply discovering new places, these moments have allowed her to relax and see life from a broader perspective.
She sees these everyday experiences as a key part of what has made her time at Greenwich so memorable. They have helped her strike a balance between academic focus and personal wellbeing, adding depth to her overall university journey.
Looking ahead
Looking forward, the programme has strengthened Mariam’s ambition to become a business analyst. It has allowed her to build on her existing data skills, expand her business knowledge, and see a clearer career path ahead. She now feels more prepared and more confident about the direction she is heading in.
For anyone considering the MA International Business at Greenwich, her advice is straightforward. She would absolutely recommend it, highlighting the genuinely supportive lecturers and the fact that student feedback is taken seriously, making the learning experience feel tailored and encouraging.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the availability of modules (and opportunities offered to, and services for, students) can change over time, and things may not be available from one year to the next. In the case of modules, please always check the 'What will you study' section of the course webpage for the course and entry year you are interested in. You can find an index of all our subject areas, within which you will find the individual course pages, at: https://www.gre.ac.uk/subjects
