Teodora Lazarova

Second year International Management student, Teodora, is in the process of applying for her professional placement year experience.

Name: Teodora Lazarova
Country: Bulgaria
Course: BSc Business Management (International Management) with a professional placement year
Year of graduation: 2021

Why did you decide to come to study at Cardiff University?

I did not have the opportunity to visit the University on an open day or communicate with students studying the programmes I was interested in. Therefore, I mostly researched it through the website, but that was enough for me to see what the University has to offer. I was fascinated by all the opportunities that the University offers, for example, the free language courses available to all students alongside their studies. Every year, you can choose to study up to three different accredited language modules (from nine different languages) free alongside your degree with the Languages for All programme.

I also love the fact that all the lectures are video recorded just in case you ever miss a lecture, don’t understand something the first time around or simply didn’t manage to write something down. There are over 200 different clubs and societies as well as countless services such as Jobshop within the Students' Union, which is in the top four in the country. I had the chance to join two of the societies (AIESEC and the Business School Society), where I have met incredible people from which I have learnt so much and they have helped me grow.

Everything had an impact on my decision to come to Cardiff, but for me the main selling point was the degree programme. It was exactly what I wanted and when I found it, I did not look any further. Cardiff University automatically became my number one choice and I have not regretted it even once!

Going into my second year now, I am more than sure that this was the best choice I have ever made and the programme is just right for me. The University staff are incredibly friendly. They go out of their way to ensure every student feels supported, welcomed and encouraged. I’ve seen this attitude repeatedly since coming here to study. Everyone really cares about you no matter how big or small your needs are, and they treat you with respect, as an equal.

Why did you choose your programme of study over others? 

At the beginning, when I was still looking for different courses, I was really confused because I still did not know what exactly I wanted to study. When I found the Business Management (International Management) with a professional placement year programme, I was convinced that this is what I wanted to study.

Business Management alone gives you endless opportunities in terms of what career you could pursue, but I wanted to have a focus on the international management as well, because I have always wanted to work in big multicultural organisations. International management gives me the opportunity to learn how management work in those types of organisations and learn the skills and knowledge required. I chose a programme with a professional placement year because I want to put my knowledge into practice before I graduate and see what type of role in an organisation would suit me best. It is also a good experience in terms of the process of applying for a job, it prepares you for when you must apply for graduate jobs.

Do you enjoy living in Cardiff? Do you have any examples of how is it different or similar to back home?

Cardiff University has introduced me to many things I never imagined I would experience (such as volunteering with AIESEC Cardiff and being a team leader with Cardiff University Students' Union during freshers’ week when all new students arrive). As a fresher, Cardiff gives you loads of opportunities to meet new friends through the Give it a Go programme, which lets you try lots of different activities to see what you like before you commit.

If you choose University accommodation, you’ll automatically have the opportunity to meet people straight away and make new friends from your flat. What I find best about Cardiff is that it has a perfect balance of activities for both introverts as well as extroverts. Nobody will force you to get involved with anything, but the opportunity and support is always there if you choose to.

Cardiff is very different from where I grew up, from the size of the city to the people living here. The city is beautiful and has many large parks, a castle, river, bay, many shops and restaurants, as well as fantastic cinemas scattered throughout the centre. It has something for everyone. You always feel safe and welcome no matter where you find yourself. The streets are well lit and I’ve never had an issue walking home at night.

What are you planning to do after you graduate?

I am already taking small steps towards the future, by taking different opportunities that are offered to me from which I can gain experience and develop myself. I have not thought in depth about what I am going to do after I graduate, but I would want to work in a company where I can grow and start building a career and then after I have worked for couple of years, I will do masters degree.