On Thursday 09 October, MIBT postgraduate students were invited to a special event, focusing on careers, placements, and employability.

With opening introductions from Year Tutor Dr Sergey Sosnovskikh and MSc Market Research & Analytics Programme Leader Katy Zafari, students were treated to a Masters-focused careers talk from Careers Advisor Angela Partridge – highlighting the many ways in which Manchester Met’s Careers Service can support postgraduate students to strengthen their employability skills. Angela’s talk also included advice and guidance regarding placements and the impact they can have on post-university employability.

The second part of the event involved an alumni panel who had kindly given up their time to come and discuss their experiences of postgraduate study and how it informed their current careers and employability. Hosted by MSc Creative Advertising Strategy Programme Leader Gerard Devney, the panel interview saw the alumni asked a plethora of questions on time management, confidence building, job searching, recruiters’ wants regarding soft skills and technical expertise, and – if they could – how they might approach their postgraduate studies differently if they were given the opportunity to do so again. Our alumni guests were:

  • Marzieh Borhani – MSc International Marketing Management​; Former Sales & Market Analyst at Siemens UKPLC
  • Tahasin Fathima – MSc International Business Management​; Booking Coordinator at DALS
  • Charity Ilevbare-Adeniji – MSc Digital Marketing Communications​; Brand Strategist at JCS Consulting
  • Vibhor Kaul – MSc Creative Advertising Strategy​; KTP Associate – Marketing and Change Management Lead with Birmingham City University

MIBT postgraduate students were also given the opportunity to ask their own questions of the alumni panel, allowing them to seek specific and personal advice that would help solidify their approaches to learning whilst helping bolster their employability skills as they prepare for their careers after university life. Our alumni panel also shared their thoughts on the value of such events:

“I truly feel privileged to share my story, balancing my master’s, being a mum, and getting ready for the UK job market. I know how challenging it can be for international students, so I’m always eager to offer tips that can make things easier.

Manchester Met has so many great resources, and it’s important students make full use of them so they don’t repeat the same mistakes I made.”

Charity Ilevbare-Adeniji

“Returning to Manchester Met to share my journey from the classroom to my placement at Siemens felt really special. During my internship, I learned that every challenge, from adapting to new teams to finding my voice in projects, can turn into an opportunity if you stay curious and open. I wanted the students to see that placements aren’t just about ticking a box; they’re about discovering what excites you and where you can make an impact. It reminded me how much growth begins the moment you step outside your comfort zone. It’s always rewarding to stay connected with such a supportive and forward-thinking academic community.”

Marzieh Borhani

“I’m truly grateful to Manchester Met for inviting me to share my journey and connect with new students. My time at Manchester Met, both as a student and later as an associate lecturer, remains one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in the UK.

As alumni, we share the responsibility of giving back by supporting current students, sharing our experiences and helping them navigate the same challenges we once faced. From adjusting to a new culture and education system to stepping into the world of work, our insights can make a real difference.

Being part of the alumni panel reminded me that while we were all sailing toward the same destination, each of our journeys was unique and every challenge shaped us in its own meaningful way.”

Vibhor Kaul

“Studying International Business Management has been an incredible journey filled with challenges, growth, and learning. With the support of inspiring and approachable professors, I’ve developed not only academically but also personally. Balancing studies, work, and job applications taught me resilience and time management, while every success and setback helped me build confidence and clarity about my career path.

Through continuous learning, seeking guidance from experienced professionals, and improving my technical and social skills, I’ve discovered my true interests and developed a mindset driven by perseverance and self-belief. This experience has truly shaped me into a more confident, capable, and purpose-driven individual.”

Tahasin Fathima

The Careers Service’s slides for this event can be found here, as well as MIBTalk’s Careers Service episode where Angela discusses the best ways to boost employability skills whilst studying at university – available on SoundCloud and Spotify, or listen below.

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