Balancing Study, Internships & Leadership: A Day in the Life at Essex Business School

To celebrate the summer 2025 graduation we sat down with new graduate Parul to chat about her time at Essex Business School.

About

• Name: Parul
• Degree programme: BSc International Business and Entrepreneurship
• Graduation year: 2025

Tell us more

What drew you to study International Business and Entrepreneurship at Essex Business School, and has the course met your expectations so far?

I was drawn to the course because it combined two areas I’m passionate about: understanding global business dynamics and developing innovative ideas. The entrepreneurial aspect especially appealed to me, as I’ve always been curious about how businesses are built and scaled, and how some of them turn into unicorns in such a short time. This course gave me the chance to dig deeper into how that happens, what it takes to launch, sustain, and grow a business in today’s world.

Essex Business School’s emphasis on sustainability and responsible business also stood out. To me, the course has met my expectations; it’s been both challenging and inspiring. I’ve had opportunities to apply what I’ve learned through simulations, group projects, and even a summer internship, which enriched the experience.

How did you become a course rep, and what does it involve?

I became a course rep after receiving an email from EBS saying they thought I might be interested in becoming a student rep at the start of my final year. I applied because I genuinely wanted to help improve the student experience and ensure their voices were heard. The role involves gathering feedback, conducting conversations with classmates about what’s working and what’s not, and then presenting that information in meetings with academic staff. It’s been really rewarding, especially when we see real changes being made based on student feedback.

What has been your favourite module so far?

Business Strategy. It encouraged me to think more critically and apply what we were learning practically. One of the highlights was the GLO-BUS simulation, where our team became the GLO-BUS Industry Champion 2025, which was such a fantastic experience! The module was well organised, and our lecturer made it interactive and engaging. It felt like a glimpse into how real-world strategy works, and that made it even more enjoyable. The most interesting part has been working on real-world case studies and the GLO-BUS simulation, where we had to make strategic decisions as if we were running an actual company. It was intense but incredibly engaging. The biggest challenge has probably been balancing multiple deadlines across different modules, especially during peak assessment periods. But it’s helped me develop stronger time management, communication, and prioritisation skills, things I know will benefit me in any future role.

Can you tell us more about your internship?

As part of the Essex Business School Summer Project in collaboration with Impact Consulting, I had the opportunity to engage in a competitive and enriching experience. After submitting my CV and successfully navigating a rigorous selection process, I was chosen to work on a real-world business challenge with ArtInFusion, a company partnered through Impact Consulting. To prepare myself and make the most of the opportunity, I took the initiative to research Impact Consulting—exploring their website and LinkedIn presence to gain a deeper understanding of their mission and values. This proactive approach not only boosted my confidence but also gave me a clearer sense of purpose and alignment going into the internship.

How do you balance work, study, and personal life effectively?

It’s a challenge at times, but I’ve learned that setting clear priorities and boundaries makes a big difference. I use a digital planner to map out my week and make sure I’m giving time not just to my studies and internship, but also to things that keep me grounded, like catching up with friends, going for walks by the seafront, or just having some quiet time.

I try to treat my internship like a part-time role and structure my week around it. I usually block out certain days just for university work and others for internship tasks. Having a routine and sticking to it makes things a lot more manageable. Communication is important too. When things get overwhelming, I try to be open with both my supervisor and my tutors, so I don’t fall behind and seek support when I need it.

For me, balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it’s about knowing when to push through and when to pause and reset.

How would you describe the sense of community on campus? Do you feel more connected, given its smaller size?

The sense of community at Essex Business School is something I’ve truly valued. Because it’s more intimate than larger institutions, it’s easier to get to know people, whether they are classmates, lecturers, or staff. There’s a genuine openness and willingness to support each other. I’ve developed strong connections through group work, society events, and even casual chats in the Hub. It made me feel more connected and supported, both academically and personally.

What are your plans for graduation?

I’m keeping my options open now. I’m applying to graduate roles that align with my interests, especially those that combine creativity, business, and social impact. But I’m also considering taking a short break to travel or volunteer before jumping into full-time work. I don’t have it all figured out yet, and that’s okay. I think it’s important to give yourself space to explore and grow, even after graduation.