From Choosing London to Building a Professional Path at City, University of London

Brikena Hyseni

Choosing a university was never just about earning a degree for me; it was about selecting an environment that would challenge me academically while offering real exposure to professional and cultural opportunities. This mindset naturally drew me toward London. As a global city, London represents ambition, diversity, and opportunity—qualities I wanted to be surrounded by as I began my higher education journey. After careful consideration, I chose to study Business, digital innovations and entrepreneurship at City, St George’s, University of London. A decision shaped by both the university’s strong industry connections and its location at the heart of one of the world’s leading financial and tech centres.

The decision-making process involved more than rankings or course content. City’s University’s emphasis on employability, practical learning, and professional development aligned closely with my personal goals. Studying business, digital innovations and entrepreneurship felt like a natural fit, as it combines academic theory with real-world application—preparing students to understand global markets, organisational behaviour, and strategic decision-making. London, as my classroom beyond the lecture hall, offered the perfect setting to bring these concepts to life.

Since relocating to London, my university experience has been both intense and rewarding. Within my first seven weeks, I found myself actively engaging in opportunities that extended far beyond traditional academic learning. Attending the Celebrating European Languages event at the UK Parliament exposed me to discussions on multilingualism and cultural identity at a policy-making level, reinforcing the importance of global communication—an essential skill within international business. Volunteering with ALSA further allowed me to develop teamwork and organisational skills while contributing to a student-led community.

Equally valuable has been the process of building a professional network. Through university societies, guest lectures, and career-focused events, I’ve learnt how meaningful connections are formed—not through transactional exchanges, but through genuine curiosity and shared interests. Speaking with peers, alumni, and professionals has helped me understand different career pathways and the importance of confidence and initiative. For students just starting out, my advice would be simple: attend events even when they feel intimidating, ask questions, and follow up with people you meet. These small actions can open doors in unexpected ways.

My desire to gain practical experience early on led me to apply for an internship with Blackmont Consulting, a student-led consulting organisation that works with real businesses to solve complex organisational challenges. The recruitment process itself was a learning experience. It required a well-structured CV and a formal interview with the HR team. Preparing my CV taught me the value of clarity and conciseness—presenting my education, experience, extracurricular activities, and skills in a way that allowed recruiters to quickly understand my strengths. During the interview, I prioritised professionalism and respect, recognising that how you conduct yourself can be just as important as what you say.

After being accepted, I was assigned to the Business Development branch, where I now work remotely with my team. My responsibilities include reaching out to potential clients—up to twenty per week—to offer free consultations with Blackmont Consulting. This role has pushed me outside my comfort zone, particularly in developing confidence in professional communication. Initially, initiating conversations with unfamiliar organisations was challenging, but over time, I learnt how to adapt my approach, handle rejection constructively, and communicate value clearly.

Weekly meetings with my manager or the CEO provide space for reflection and growth. These sessions have helped me identify areas for improvement, such as refining my communication style or managing time more effectively. When client recruitment efforts lead to successful engagement, I assist in arranging consulting appointments and, when approved, have the opportunity to support projects in a project management capacity. Working on real business problems so early in my academic career has allowed me to directly apply concepts from my business, digital innovations and entrepreneurship studies—bridging theory with practice in a meaningful way.

Overall, my early experiences at City and in London have confirmed that I made the right decision. Studying in a city that encourages ambition, while being part of an institution that supports professional development, has helped me grow both academically and personally. From navigating a new city to securing an internship and building confidence in professional environments, this journey has been one of learning, adaptation, and self-discovery. I am excited to continue developing my skills, embracing new challenges, and shaping a future that reflects the goals that first brought me to London.