Coming from an Industrial Engineering background, I chose to study MSc International Management at Bournemouth University to bridge the gap between technical analysis and global business leadership. I wanted to understand not just how systems work, but how people, culture, and strategy shape decision‑making in international organisations.

Arda Kutsal

BU stood out for its practical, globally oriented curriculum and its diverse, international learning environment. Courses like Organizational Behaviour, Marketing Strategy, and Managing People gave me the foundations I needed to move beyond numbers and into strategic thinking. My thesis on managing diverse teams helped me see how culture, communication, and leadership interact in real business settings — something I apply every day.

The experience of studying at BU was transformative. Working with classmates from around the world pushed me out of my comfort zone and strengthened my ability to collaborate across cultures. Group projects, research, and applied learning shaped the way I approach problem‑solving and communication in my career.

After graduating, I joined P&G, where I worked across Category Operations, Business Planning, and Domestic Transportation Management — roles that taught me operational excellence, strategic forecasting, and financial accountability. Moving into Amazon as an Account Manager marked a shift toward commercial strategy and marketplace growth, bringing together everything I had learned so far.

What I enjoy most about my work is the combination of people and impact: aligning diverse teams, building relationships, and seeing decisions turn into measurable results. Continuous learning and collaboration are what keep me motivated.

For anyone considering a similar path, my advice is to build both depth and breadth. Combine analytical skills with strong communication and leadership abilities. Take group projects seriously, prioritise learning over titles, and stay curious — the steepest learning curves often become the most rewarding parts of your journey.

If there is one thing I wish I had known at the start, it’s the importance of soft skills and networking. The people you learn alongside can shape your career as much as the content of your degree.

BU in three words: nonfictional, research, always prepared.