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My LSBU…
Mariana Dodourova

MSc International Business, PhD in Business

My life at LSBU

I am Bulgarian and I arrived in London at the age of 29 with a BA 1st Class Honours in Economics from UNWE in Sofia. However, my command of English was close to non-existent and, given my age, I was wondering if I would have a chance to re-enter education. Nevertheless, I was determined to further my studies and I focused all my efforts on studying English. When I offered a place at LSBU it felt like winning the Olympics, and completing the MSc International Business felt even better! With the help and advice of some of my former lecturers, I managed to develop a proposal for research degree, which was accepted and I was awarded a PhD in Business in 2008. Looking back, this was quite a journey for a mature foreign student with very little knowledge of English!

I had fantastic experiences and I met inspirational people at LSBU. The quality of teaching provides students with a solid knowledge base to fund their professional and academic future. The University has excellent facilities and a priceless location for providing a good social life. All the staff at LSBU have been friendly and supportive: the faculty, the administration, the technical support staff, my lecturers and my colleagues.

Work/life/learning in London

When I started the MSc course at LSBU, I began working for a small architects and engineers practice in North London as a part-time administration assistant and technical librarian. Shortly after completing the MSc course I was appointed part-time assistant to Project Manager in the same firm – a job with high level of responsibility. At the same time I had a temporary post as a research assistant at LSBU. Juggling two part-time jobs and a full-time research degree was not a walk in the park but I was committed to supporting myself and gaining experience inaddition to furthering my education. After completing my PhD studies, I applied for a post as a Lecturer in Strategic Management in the Business School of University of Hertfordshire. After a gruelling interview process, I overcame the competition of five other candidates, all of them doctors in their own right and with relevant experience, and I landed the job!

The single best thing about studying at LSBU is the location, with the proximity to the West End and all the wonderful things there: theatres, gallerias, concerts, clubs, restaurants, pubs, the buzz, the river, everything that makes London what it is! There is so much variety, so many opportunities in all respects – work, culture, education, social life – you can never get bored in London!

I had fantastic experiences and I met inspirational people at LSBU
Mariana Dodourova