How My Business Management Degree at LSST Changed My Future
By Liliana Gabriela Andronie, Student Support Officer, LSST Luton
When I enrolled on the BA (Hons) Business Management programme at LSST Luton in 2021, I was juggling family responsibilities, work commitments and the uncertainty of being the first person in my family to pursue higher education. Completing this degree was never just an academic goal – it was a deliberate step toward reshaping my future, building confidence and unlocking opportunities I had once thought out of reach.
As the first member of my family to pursue higher education, completing my Business Management degree became both a personal milestone and a commitment to creating new opportunities through education and learning.
What stood out about LSST was the personalised support and sense of community throughout my journey. As a student balancing different responsibilities, having approachable lecturers and a supportive learning environment made a real difference. LSST helped me build the confidence, knowledge and practical skills to achieve my academic goals and take the next step in my professional development.
Academic Growth and Leadership
The Business Management degree strengthened my capabilities in both critical thinking and professional confidence.
Throughout my studies, I developed a strong understanding of leadership, teamwork and effective communication. Exploring a range of leadership and management theories, alongside practical case studies, strengthened my ability to evaluate different approaches and apply them in real-world situations.
My learning also enhanced my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, encouraging me to think creatively and adapt to changing circumstances. I gained an appreciation of how organisations foster innovation and respond to new challenges, developing a solution-focused mindset that I continue to apply in my professional life.
In addition, I deepened my understanding of organisational change and development. Studying how organisations evolve and how leaders manage periods of transition helped me to analyse complex challenges, appreciate different perspectives and understand the importance of effective planning and communication when implementing change.
During my foundation year, my lecturers fostered a sense of community in our classes. One memorable moment was a special lunch where every student brought a meal to share. Sitting together, we laughed, exchanged stories and supported each other’s learning. Small moments like these made the academic journey feel inclusive and motivating.
Another inspiring moment came in Year 2, when our lecturer Sayed Baheer Peerzada delivered a speech about the power within each of us. He emphasised that we could achieve anything we set our minds to, regardless of challenges like language barriers. His words resonated deeply, reminding me to embrace my potential and pursue my goals with confidence. This encouragement fueled my determination to engage fully in class discussions, presentations and projects.
Assignments reinforced these lessons. One particularly valuable project involved analysing a real-world organisation undergoing large change. I evaluated leadership strategies, identified barriers to success and proposed practical recommendations. This experience honed my analytical skills and strengthened my confidence in applying theory to practice.
Taking part in LSST’s Writing Competition was a particularly rewarding experience that challenged me to communicate complex ideas in a clear, engaging and accessible way. The competition encouraged me to strengthen my research, critical thinking and academic writing skills while considering how to present my ideas to a wider audience. Seeing the competition judged by professionals from organisations such as CNN International and The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change highlighted the importance of effective communication beyond the classroom. It reinforced my confidence as a writer and demonstrated how strong written communication can influence, inform and inspire others.
Skills Gained Throughout My Degree
My Business Management degree equipped me with far more than academic knowledge. Across my modules, I developed a combination of analytical, professional and interpersonal skills that continue to shape the way I approach both my work and personal development.
Modules such as Research Methods, Business Consulting, Project Management, Strategic Marketing and Data Insights for Business Decisions challenged me to think critically, analyse complex situations and make evidence-based decisions. Rather than simply learning business theories, I gained an understanding of how they can be applied to real organisational challenges, from managing change and leading teams to developing innovative solutions and making informed strategic decisions.
The programme also strengthened the skills that employers value most. Through presentations, group projects and collaborative learning, I became a more confident communicator and developed the ability to work effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
Delivering 11 presentations and contributing to more than five major group projects improved my confidence in presenting ideas, listening to different perspectives and working towards shared goals. Perhaps most importantly, the degree taught me how to manage competing priorities, remain organised under pressure and adapt to new challenges. These are skills I now use every day in my professional role, giving me the confidence to contribute meaningfully to my team while continuing to grow as a business professional.
Completing my degree while raising a family and maintaining employment was one of the most demanding experiences of my life. There were times when balancing assignments, work commitments and family responsibilities felt overwhelming, but each challenge strengthened my determination to keep moving forward.
Studying at LSST taught me to manage my time more effectively, prioritise competing demands and remain focused even during the busiest periods. Looking back, I realise that the resilience, organisation and self-discipline I developed were just as valuable as the academic knowledge I gained. Those qualities continue to influence how I approach my work today and have given me the confidence to embrace new responsibilities and opportunities.
Linking My Degree to Professional Progression
The leadership frameworks, innovation strategies and change management principles I studied now influence how I approach challenges and responsibilities within the workplace.
Today, as a Student Support Officer at LSST Luton, I use the communication, organisational and problem-solving skills developed during my degree to support learners and contribute positively to the student experience.
LSST supported not only my academic development but also the growth of my confidence as a professional. It provided structure, guidance and an environment where development, learning and progress were consistently encouraged.
My Message to Fellow Students
My journey has taught me that your starting point does not define your destination. Whether you are returning to education after a break, balancing family and work commitments, or taking your first steps into higher education, progress is possible through determination, consistency and the right support.
There will be challenges along the way, but every assignment completed, every skill developed and every obstacle overcome contributes to personal growth. A degree represents more than an academic achievement; it builds confidence, resilience and the ability to see new possibilities for the future.
My advice to fellow students is simple: believe in your own potential, embrace the learning journey and remember that every step forward brings you closer to the opportunities you once thought were beyond reach.
Completing my degree does not mark the end of my educational journey; instead, it represents the beginning of a new chapter defined by ambition, professional growth and the ability to pursue opportunities that once felt beyond reach.
I remain committed to continued academic and professional development and am deeply grateful to my LSST lecturers, whose guidance, expertise and encouragement played an important role in my journey. The knowledge, skills and resilience I developed continue to shape my career path, influence my professional goals and inspire my commitment to lifelong learning.