Sofia’s enthusiasm to embrace every aspect of student life in the UK has enabled her to gain a wide variety of experiences in the two years she’s been studying BSc Food Marketing and Business Economics, at the University of Reading.
“Having grown up around farming, I have a passion for the food and agriculture industries, and for learning about marketing and business, so I felt this course was well-suited to me. I love the variety of modules and practical tasks that we have. My favourites in the first year were ‘The Food Business’ and ‘The Economic Environment’ and in the second year, it’s definitely ‘Digital Marketing’. I can see how this learning material can be implemented in real life and will be beneficial for my future career."
Sofia loves learning languages and was keen to take up the option to learn a new language via Reading’s Institution Wide Language Programme (IWLP).
“I took the French language module at beginner level in my first year, and quickly progressed, enabling me to take a more advanced level in my second year. Through this, I’ve also been able to work as a French Ambassador and Course Rep for the University’s IWLP scheme, it gave me the opportunity to meet friends and grow my speaking skills.”
Continuing her French language journey, after her first year, Sofia was inspired to apply for an internship at MacPlus France.
“After one year of learning French I successfully secured the summer internship in France. It was such a great opportunity to practice my French while also gaining insight into the operations of a big company, which is relevant to my course studies.”
Sofia has recognised the benefits of gaining a wide range of work experience while studying and has seized many opportunities as they’ve arisen.
“I’ve done many different small roles within the University, including being a Student Ambassador at events and a Student Partner working with academic staff to find new ways to enhance student experience.
I’ve also worked for a refugee project called ‘Little Literacy Lessons’ for Families with the Institute of Education, as an interpreter - which was very rewarding. To gain more marketing experience, I did a marketing internship with Rabble Theatre where I tried to implement all of the knowledge that I gained on digital marketing, branding theory and applied marketing from my course.”
One of Sofia’s proudest moments was being a founding member and Vice-President of the University of Reading Ukrainian Society, but she also enjoys the varied social and sports activities available at the University.
“It was so important for me to gather with fellow Ukrainian students and create a space where we could share our culture and support people. Through this, I was also invited to be the University of Reading presentative at the Summit of Ukrainian Students from across Great Britain in Birmingham in 2023, which was a great experience. I also joined the Tennis and Salsa societies through which I’ve made many friends and have lots of fun!”