Sophie Taggart

University provides an opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds, which can lead to lifelong friendships. I lived with some of the same people for 3 years, and they are bonds I will always have!

Sophie Taggart

Top three tips for University:

  1. Be social!
    1. The university has many clubs and societies that cater to different interests. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and fill in a lot of your social calendar!
    2. The Fresher’s Fair will take place in your first couple of weeks, so make sure to attend to get a grasp of all the available opportunities to see what’s for you and meet a couple of people already part of that club/society
    3. Make sure to attend social events too, such as dances or course-led activities. There is usually a welcome ball hosted at the University Guild, the business management student-led committee usually arranges plenty of events so you can meet new people
    4. Attend seminars as they are smaller group-led discussions that allow you to interact with others on your course in a way that lectures will not.
  2. Manage your time well!
    1. There is a lot of time available that is not allocated to lectures or seminars, a lot of your work must be independently led
    2. Socialise to make a good network of friends, but also plan in study time so you are not last minute when your deadlines come.
  3. Make your 9ams! This is so important because if you get into the habit of sleeping in, it is a hard one to shake. If you struggle to wake up in the morning, have a look at on-campus accommodation as it saves you the bus ride in.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool Management School?

  1. The facilities available are great. They have areas where you can study with friends, or alone as well as state-of-the-art technology such as the Bloomberg Suite
  2. I have a strong gut feeling about this university straight away, the accommodation was a big part of my decision to come here. When considering other universities, Liverpool’s accommodation and how close everything is to each other really swayed my view!
  3. The people also made a big impression! I had a really good first impression of the staff and students alike, everyone was lovely and really willing to offer their experiences in an honest and insightful way.

Why did you choose your course?

At the time I was applying to university, I wasn’t entirely sure what specific path I wanted to follow within the business sector.

BA Business Management, therefore, was a perfect option for me as it allowed me to explore different functions within business such as human resources, accounting and finance, supply chain, and marketing allowing me to get an idea of the direction I would want my career to go as I could gain more understanding of the wide variety aspects of a business.

This was tremendously helpful when I was applying to placements as I was slightly more confident that I would enjoy the roles I was applying to as I had learned the basics of each business function. It is also an incredibly interesting course that offers many skills that can be applied to everyday working life.


Why did you choose to become a student ambassador?

Becoming a student ambassador was deemed a valuable and rewarding experience in my view, that could help me develop important skills and make meaningful connections.

As a student ambassador, I am responsible for leading tours, giving presentations, and helping to organise events. This helped me develop valuable leadership skills that will be useful in my personal and professional life.

I knew I would also have to interact with a variety of people, including prospective students, parents, and school administrators.

Serving as a student ambassador has also been a valuable addition to my CV. It demonstrates that I have leadership skills, can communicate effectively, and am committed to this university and helping prospective students!

It provides me with the opportunity to give back to the university by representing it to prospective students and their families. This to me is a rewarding experience and can help me feel more connected to my university community. 

I wanted to pass on my experience to those who are nervous about the university as I was in their shoes once! It's sometimes better to hear a student’s experience, so I am an advocate for student ambassadors and how useful they are.

Finally, it has helped me make new connections with other ambassadors and university staff. This proved to be a great way to expand my network and meet new people.


What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking a Year in Industry?

Many companies start recruiting for Year in Industry positions early in the academic year, so it's a good idea to start researching potential companies and positions as early as possible.

Look for companies that offer positions in your field of interest and that align with your career goals. Check their websites, read reviews, and talk to people who have worked there before to get an idea of what it's like to work at the company.

However! Be open to different industries and types of roles, even if they're not exactly what you had in mind. A Year in Industry is an opportunity to explore different career paths and gain valuable experience, so be willing to take on new challenges. No business is too big for you!

Your application should be tailored to the specific company and position you're applying for. Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your relevant skills and experience and be sure to proofread everything carefully.

Once you have secured a Year in Industry position, make the most of the experience. Be proactive, ask questions, and take on new responsibilities. This is your chance to learn and develop new skills, so make the most of it.

Stay in touch with your colleagues and the company after your Year in Industry has ended. You never know when a connection you made during your Year in Industry might come in handy in the future.

Overall, a Year in Industry can be a great opportunity to gain valuable experience, explore different career paths, and make connections that could benefit you in the future. With a little research and preparation, you can make the most of this opportunity and set yourself up for success.


What have you enjoyed about living in Liverpool?

Liverpool is a vibrant and cultural city that offers a range of attractions and experiences. Here are some of the main things I have loved about the city so far:

  1. Liverpool has a rich history and culture, with many museums, galleries, and historical sites to explore, such as the Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, and the World Museum of Liverpool
  2. My favourite aspect of Liverpool is that the city is famous for its music scene, and there are many live music venues, bars, and clubs throughout the city. I also love going to the Liverpool Empire Theatre (I worked here in my first year as it was only a short walk from campus), it can be a great night out with any family who may be visiting or friends!
  3. Although they’re not Old Trafford, Liverpool is home to two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool F.C. and Everton F.C., and the city has a strong sporting culture. Definitely head down to see the women or men play if you have a free day
  4. Liverpool has many high-street stores and independent boutiques, such as Liverpool ONE shopping centre. It's really close to the university if you want to head down and do some shopping
  5. Liverpool has many parks, such as Sefton Park and Calderstones Park, which both offer such a lovely wander to take a break from your studies!

What have you enjoyed most about your student experience?

University provides an opportunity to meet new people from different backgrounds, which can lead to lifelong friendships. I lived with some of the same people for 3 years, and they are bonds I will always have!

Universities offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports teams and clubs to volunteering and community service. I have been part of the women’s football team for 4 years now, being a social secretary in my second year, tour secretary in my 3rd (placement) year, and finally president in my final year.

Not only are these great on my CV but they have also given me a community that I have grown so very fond of. We have social events every Wednesday after our weekly Wednesday game and train on 2 other days of the week. I have made lifelong friends and memories with the club and will miss it and the girls greatly.

Tour was a great bonus as we missed out on going abroad twice due to Covid – however, we finally made it to Croatia and had the best week ever!

The academic challenge that comes with studying at university leaves me feeling very satisfied when I have submitted a long essay. University has given me the opportunity to gain independence. I encouraged myself to take risks, try new things, and push myself outside my comfort zone, I feel I have grown as a person, and I love that!


What are your future career goals?

I completed a 13-month placement at Procter & Gamble (P&G) in my 3rd year and absolutely loved being a Process Engineer intern. I managed to secure a role at Skelmersdale which is only around a 35-minute drive from Liverpool.

This meant I stayed living with my friends and had a balance of new and old when going through this change.

I am going back to P&G when I graduate to be an Operations Manager. I plan to get experience in many areas of the business via projects to increase my knowledge and interests across many functions.