Micaela Cirilo Correa

MSc International Business Management 2026, Peru, Graduate.

“I discovered Oxford Brookes while researching top universities for international business management and looking for a place which has a sense of belonging and friendly support system for international students.”

“From my very first interaction with Oxford Brookes Business School, I felt the supportive and ambitious environment would help me achieve my goals.”

What immediately stood out was the strong focus on practical, real-world learning. The faculty’s dedication to guiding students, coupled with the range of programmes and opportunities for hands-on experience, made Oxford Brookes feel like the perfect place to develop both my academic knowledge and professional skills.

“Studying in the UK has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding.”

I was impressed by the emphasis on independent thinking, critical analysis, and the practical application of theory to real-world problems. What surprised me most was the diversity of students' backgrounds in the same class and the level of collaboration between students and staff. It's a community where your ambitions are nurtured, not just your grades. This environment pushed me to take on leadership roles, engage in innovative projects, and approach problems with creativity and confidence. I want to thank Shelley Beck and Gabor Luckas for all the guidance I received. It was invaluable. Their mentorship played a key role in building my confidence as a student and a future business leader.

“Oxford Brookes provided me with exceptional opportunities to connect with industry professionals.”

This included careers and volunteering fairs, visits from alumni working in multinational organisations, and lecturers with extensive industry experience. The course was further enriched by external speakers such as Peter Mols, who shared valuable insights into international trade, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Their perspectives reinforced the real-world relevance of my studies, complemented by industry visits including the BMW Mini Plant in Oxford, which offered first-hand exposure to global business operations.

“As part of my placement year, I served as Vice President for Education and Advocacy at Oxford Brookes Students’ Union.”

I led initiatives to improve food affordability while reducing waste, strengthened the student representative system, enhanced study spaces, and launched the first Oxford Brookes Student Start-Up Fair. The position provided hands-on leadership experience and allowed me to turn academic learning into meaningful outcomes for the student community. Beyond my placement, I became actively involved in the Oxford Brookes community as a Global Buddies Mentor, supporting new international students, and as a Faculty Representative, improving communication and engagement within my School. I also volunteered with Oxford Mutual Aid and OLIO, combining my commitment to sustainability and social impact with community engagement. In addition, I joined the newly established Oxford Brookes Powerlifting Team, competing in BUCS events where the University placed third overall and I secured second place in my category.

“I am now focused on applying my leadership, strategic, and innovative skills in roles that create positive social impact.”

Alongside this, I am starting my entrepreneurial venture with an innovative product with women in strength sports. I am planning to enter into consulting and put all my skills into real-world cases. In the long term, I plan to return to Peru to apply the international experience gained at Oxford Brookes to deliver solutions that benefit both businesses and communities.