Zunaira Saqib
MA Human Resources and Consulting, 2009
Country of origin: Pakistan
Employer: FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Pakistan
Joining Lancaster University Management School and the MA in HR and Consulting programme was probably the best decision that I made during my stay in the UK.
LUMS' ranking among business schools in the UK and Europe was the major influence on my decision. The faculty at LUMS, especially in the Department of Management Learning and Leadership were certainly the most reputable and knowledge in their respective fields.
I was a little worried before joining the MA as I had a two-year old daughter. I did not know if I would be able to manage my studies with a family to take care of. But it’s amazing, as I look back now, at all the support I received from my group members, as well as the faculty, to help me complete my degree on time. The MA experience itself was very memorable for me, from a learning as well as from a social point of view.
The learning experience on the MA is very different from other programmes. The absence of exams and assessment by seminar papers and consultancy projects makes it unique and practical. The quality of supervision during the seminar-paper and thesis-writing phase of my degree was exceptional. I was later able to publish my seminar paper and thesis at different conferences. It speaks of the quality and hard work that faculty put into students during the process.
The best part of the whole year without a doubt was the consultancy project, which not only gave us insights into the real world but also enabled us to see and judge our own potential as human resource development consultants. The one-month experience gave me more learning than any of the taught courses studied on my previous degree.
The research environment at LUMS is really well embedded into the taught Masters programmes as well. The quality of faculty research and supervision gave me inspiration to start my PhD – something which wasn’t part of my plan at all before enrolling on the MA.
I'll never forget my walks around Lancaster University, to Forrest Hills – a beautiful place which is just five minutes walk from the University campus – for fruitful outdoor learning. The experiences gave us time to get to know each other and form friendships with students who were from all parts of the world. The friendships and inspiration from Lancaster continues to date.
How the city of Lancaster and the University grows inside you is an amazing experience. Coming from a populated and noisy city to a quiet and peaceful place is an experience in itself. Slowly but steadily one falls in love with Lancaster, and I was a bit tearful when I left in 2010. Since returning home I've joined FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences in Islamabad, Pakistan, as a lecturer. I plan to give back to students the learning and experiences gained from LUMS during my MA. I will always be thankful to Lancaster University Management School for giving me the time of my life… I still cherish the memories.
