Rachel Cunningham came to Queen Margaret University directly from school, looking for a friendly, supportive community and an institution that offered strong academic and practical opportunities for personal growth. Drawn to ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø’s close‑knit campus and hands‑on approach to business education, she made full use of the many additional opportunities available to students—from leadership roles to international study trips—to enhance her skills, confidence, and employability. Along the way, she discovered new career ambitions and a clearer sense of direction for her future. Her story shows how ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø helps students succeed in their studies while also discovering who they want to become. She tells us more.
Why did you choose to study at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø and what attracted you to the course?
I chose ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø because it felt like a university where I wouldn’t feel like just another number. The small campus really appealed to me, as I knew I would benefit from having closer interaction and support from lecturers. I chose Business Management because it felt broad, practical, and relevant to a wide range of careers. I had always enjoyed subjects at school that involved organisation, problem-solving, and using IT, so Business Management felt like a natural progression where I could develop those strengths further in a more professional and applied context.
What have you enjoyed most about your course?
I’ve enjoyed how practical and transferable the content is. Many of the modules relate to real life situations, which makes the learning feel relevant rather than purely theoretical. I’ve particularly enjoyed the Business Law and Employment Law modules - although challenging, they helped me understand how rules and regulations actually affect how organisations operate and how employees are treated in the workplace.
Were there any particular course activities you found especially interesting?
I found the case studies and scenario-based tasks really interesting, especially in the Business Law and Employment Law modules. Looking at realistic workplace situations and applying legal principles to them made the content much easier to understand and more engaging. I also liked activities where we had to analyse situations and think about how a business should respond to certain issues. This suited the way I like to work, as it involved being organised, paying attention to detail, and thinking practically rather than just memorising information. These activities helped me see how what we learn on the course can be applied in real business environments.
How did your lecturers support your learning?
My lecturers were always approachable and willing to help whenever I had questions or needed clarification. I felt comfortable asking for support because it actually felt like I knew my lecturers, which made it easier to understand more challenging topics. They also provided clear guidance on assignments and expectations, which helped me stay on track with my work. The feedback they gave was useful and helped me see where I was performing well, and where I could make improvements for future assessments.
What challenges did you face with the course and/or university life? How did you overcome them?
One of the main challenges was adjusting to the level of independence that comes with university. Managing my own time, keeping on top of deadlines, and balancing different modules. I also found that the workload became heavier and more demanding every year, which meant I had to improve my organisation and time management even more. At times it felt overwhelming, but I overcame this by planning my work in advance, using schedules, and setting myself small goals to stay on track.
Have you taken advantage of any opportunities that have been offered to you through the Queen Margaret Business School. How have these helped you?
I took part in ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Means Business through the Queen Margaret Business School, and it was a really valuable and enjoyable experience. As part of the initiative, I worked with the other students to deliver entrepreneurial community wealth building workshops to senior school pupils in two secondary schools. We challenged them to identify a local issue in their community and work together in groups to come up with a realistic solution. This experience was different from my usual learning because it put me in a leadership role rather than being the student.
Planning and delivering the sessions helped me develop my communication, organisation, leadership and teamwork skills, as we had to guide discussions and support the students as they built on their ideas. It was also really rewarding to see how engaged they were and how their confidence grew week by week. This experience had a big impact on me, as it made me realise how much I enjoyed explaining business concepts and working with younger students. Overall, ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Means Business helped me see a new potential career path while also allowing me to apply the skills I’ve developed on my course in a practical, real-world setting. The experience has definitely confirmed that I want to progress my future as a business education teacher.
What other stand out opportunities have you taken up that have enhanced your student experience
²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø presented us with an incredible opportunity to benefit from an academic and cultural trip Athens, Greece. The focus of the trip was about sustainability. One of the main highlights was our guided visit to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). It was a powerful example of sustainable design and urban planning in practice. Seeing how the centre integrates green spaces, renewable energy solutions, and community-focused architecture helped bring sustainability concepts to life beyond what we learn in lectures.
We also attended lectures delivered by local lecturers from ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø’s partner institution, Metropolitan College, which broadened my understanding of sustainability from not just an environmental perspective, but also social and economic viewpoints. I found it particularly interesting comparing Greece’s approach, solar energy and water conservation, with Scotland’s focus on wind energy. Presenting my own reflections on these differences helped develop my confidence and critical thinking skills. Also, the experience of travelling with peers, many of whom I didn’t know beforehand, helped me grow personally. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and strengthened my independence and adaptability. Overall, the trip helped build my confidence academically and personally and was extremely rewarding.
What has been your favourite moment at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø?
It’s hard to choose just one favourite moment at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø because a few experiences really stand out to me. Taking part in ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø Means Business was definitely a highlight. Stepping into a leadership role and applying what I had learned in a practical setting was really rewarding and boosted my confidence significantly. The trip to Greece was another unforgettable experience. It allowed me to see sustainability in practice, experience a different culture, and gave me memories I’ll always value. Finally, meeting new friends throughout my time at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø has been one of the most important parts of my experience. Starting university can feel overwhelming, but building friendships made the journey more enjoyable and supportive. Overall, it’s the combination of academic opportunities and personal connections that has made my time at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø so memorable.
Do you have any advice for students who might be interested in this course?
My advice for students interested in studying BA (Hons) Business Management at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø would be to stay open-minded and make the most of the opportunities available to you. The course covers a wide range of topics, so it’s a good choice if you’re still figuring out what area of business interests you most. I would also recommend attending open days. Visiting the campus, speaking to lecturers, and getting a feel for the environment really helps you decide if it’s the right fit for you. Once you start, staying organised and managing your time well is key, especially as the workload increases in later years. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek support when you need it.
Which University services did you use to support you through your journey and how did they help you?
Throughout my time at University, I used the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme (PALS), which I found extremely helpful. Being able to learn from other students who had already completed the modules created a more relaxed, supportive environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and discussing topics in greater depth. Because I found it so valuable, I became a PALS leader in my third year. This allowed me to support other students while also developing my own communication and leadership skills. Leading sessions helped reinforce my own understanding of the course content and gave me experience in guiding discussions and helping others build confidence. Overall, PALS played an important role in my academic development and my personal growth throughout my University journey.
What’s your ‘top tip’ for making the most of being a student?
Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel slightly outside your comfort zone. Some of my most valuable experiences came from getting involved in things beyond my regular classes. I would also say staying organised and managing your time well makes it much easier to enjoy the experience rather than feeling constantly stressed. Most importantly, take time to build friendships and connections. University isn’t just about the degree - it’s also about the people you meet and the experiences you gain along the way.
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned at university?
I learned to have confidence in myself and my abilities. Over time, I realised that growth comes from pushing yourself into situations that feel slightly uncomfortable, whether that was managing a heavier workload, presenting my ideas, or taking on leadership roles. University taught me that I’m capable of more than I initially thought. Learning to adapt and stay consistent, even when things felt challenging, has been one of my biggest takeaways. Overall, my time at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø hasn’t just been about gaining academic knowledge; it been about developing resilience, independence, and confidence.
What are your plans for after graduation?
After graduation, I’m aiming to complete a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Business at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø. My experience throughout my degree, particularly delivering workshops to high school students, made me realise how much I enjoy teaching and supporting others’ learning. Studying Business Management has given me a strong foundation in areas such as law, organisation, marketing, finance, and professional skills, and I’d like to use that knowledge to inspire and educate young people in a secondary school setting. My goal is to continue my studies at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø and work towards becoming a Business teacher, combining my subject knowledge with the communication and leadership skills I have developed during my time at ²ÝÝ®ÉçÇø.
