Juthatip Sutthisith (Ice)
MSc International Management, 2021
Thailand
I gravitated toward the International Management programme because I felt that the kind of knowledge and skills to be gained therein are what’s really important in the modern business world.”
After completing my undergraduate degree in Business Communications, I worked as a flight attendant with Oman Air for four years. I later returned to Thailand and spent another three years as a sales representative for a chemical company. During this period, I realised I wanted to further develop my career and decided to continue my education abroad.
While considering my options, I spoke with my brother, who was living in the UK at the time. He recommended UWE Bristol after hearing positive feedback from a friend studying there. As I researched further, I found that Bristol’s friendly atmosphere and environment suited me well. I also connected with the UWE Thailand office, where the staff guided me through the application process. Through UWE Bristol’s partnership with Thammasat University, where I completed my bachelor’s degree, I was fortunate to receive a scholarship.
I chose the International Management programme because I believed it offered valuable knowledge and practical skills relevant to today’s global business environment. The programme appealed to me because of its broad scope and its ability to open future career opportunities. I knew that if I wanted to run my own business one day, I needed a strong understanding of management and international business practices.
I arrived in Bristol in January and immediately experienced the cold weather, which was very different from Thailand and Oman. Fortunately, I had prepared with warm clothing. Despite the chilly weather, I quickly fell in love with Bristol’s atmosphere and welcoming environment. Living near campus with Thai housemates also helped me adjust comfortably.
One of the most rewarding parts of studying at UWE Bristol was meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds. Group projects allowed me to work closely with students from countries such as India, Korea, and South Africa. These experiences improved my communication skills, adaptability, and cultural understanding, all of which are essential in international business.
My studies also strengthened my critical thinking abilities. I learned to think more openly, justify my opinions logically, and appreciate different perspectives. This approach encouraged creativity and independent thinking beyond traditional textbook learning.
Outside the classroom, I enjoyed exploring Bristol, especially visiting the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. During the COVID-19 lockdown, I moved to Birmingham for an internship as an HR assistant at a chemical company, where my previous sales experience proved valuable. Later, I returned to Bangkok to complete my dissertation while staying in close contact with my professor online.
Since graduating, I have applied the skills and confidence I gained from my studies to help manage my family’s business and prepare to launch my own eye-health supplement company. My experience at UWE Bristol not only improved my professional abilities but also broadened my perspective and prepared me for future international opportunities.