“Running my own business helped me build resilience, people skills, and a strong work ethic. After that chapter, I felt ready to invest in my professional growth, and further study was the natural next step to help me transition into a more strategic and global HR career,” Aishat explained.
When choosing the University of Sunderland, two deciding factors were the positive student experience that she had heard from previous cohorts and the location.
She explained: “The University of Sunderland stood out for several reasons. I had heard wonderful things about the student experience from earlier cohorts, particularly how supportive and welcoming the university is throughout each student’s journey.
“I chose the Sunderland campus specifically because the city itself is a beautiful, peaceful coastal location perfect for studying and adjusting to life in a new country. Being based in the North East also made it a more affordable option, which was an important factor for me as someone newly arriving in the UK.”
Asked about her favourite part of her course, Aishat replied: “My favourite part of studying International Business Management was its versatility. The course provided a comprehensive foundation across all core business functions like business development, marketing, HR, operations, and accounting. That breadth of knowledge has proven incredibly useful, especially in my HR career, as it allows me to align people strategies with broader organisational goals.
“It gave me the confidence to understand how different parts of a business connect and to contribute meaningfully beyond just my immediate role. The well-rounded nature of the course truly prepared me for the real-world demands of modern workplaces.”
Since graduating, Aishat has taken significant steps to elevate her professional journey, including completing a CIPD Level 5 Diploma in People Management. In her role as a Human Resources Officer at the Commonwealth Foundation, she supports people initiatives across an international team. One of her recent highlights at the Foundation was attending the Commonwealth Day Service of Celebration at Westminster Abbey on the 10th of March this year, accompanied by her son.
She explained: "For a bit of background, the Commonwealth Foundation is an intergovernmental organisation focused on strengthening civic voice and encouraging participatory governance across the Commonwealth’s 56 member states. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that bridges people’s voices and policymakers, working to drive fairer, more inclusive societies. Last week I got to participate in the Commonwealth day celebrations and I met the King of England, and the Royal Family with my son."
Aishat shares valuable advice for prospective students considering the University of Sunderland: “Make the most of the resources available and don’t just focus on lectures. The support services are excellent, and they truly want you to succeed. The Employability and Skills Hub is your friend use it early and often. Take advantage of volunteering opportunities, get involved in university life, and definitely apply for the SUPA Awards. All these experiences will enrich your journey, help you build confidence, and set you up for life after graduation. Your time at Sunderland is what you make of it, so be proactive, engage and stay open to growth.”
Aishat also shared insights into how her academic journey has significantly shaped her professional life. The graduate emphasised that the skills developed during her time at the University, particularly through the SUPA Skills Award, have proven invaluable in the workplace.
She said: “The skills I developed while working towards my SUPA Skills Award have been directly transferable to my professional life, presentation, organisation, adaptability and other skills particularly in areas like communication and teamwork. My volunteering experiences also helped build confidence and gave me a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.
“But perhaps most importantly, I learned to make full use of the resources available to me from academic support to employability services. That mindset has stayed with me and continues to shape how I approach opportunities and challenges in the workplace today. My manager always acknowledges that I am a self-starter.”
Reflecting on her time at the University of Sunderland, Aishat concluded: “It was educative, informative, and genuinely fun. I really enjoyed attending cross-cultural events and meeting people from all over the world, including different parts of Nigeria. I made lasting memories exploring Sunderland and the wider North East, Durham, Newcastle, and the beautiful beach in North Shields. The experience was a complete all-rounder: academic growth, personal development, and meaningful connection. I still miss it, and who knows, I just might come back for a PhD one day!”
As Aishat looks toward the future, she aims to advance into more senior HR roles that will allow her to influence organizational strategy and foster an inclusive work environment.