Case Study

“My background is in accounting, but I also have a real passion for tourism. 

So, when I started at the University, I did a BSc (Hons) in International Tourism and Hospitality Management. 

After finishing that course this July, I decided to go one step further and combine my two areas of interest.  

That’s why I chose to apply for the MBA in Finance. 

The previous jobs I’ve done have really kept me in one place, but I want to travel, to see new places and experience different things.  

Having a sense of freedom is what I loved about the tourism course; it’s given me the opportunity to do so much more. 

I did consider doing my masters in it, maybe the MSc Tourism and Hospitality or the MBA Hospitality Management.  

But I thought that if I get my MBA in Finance, I can use it to work in any sector, including tourism. 

I like being challenged, that’s what I enjoy about accounting. You have to spend a lot of time thinking, working things out and being sure of your answers. 

Tourism is the same, you come up with strategic management ideas and do creative things like marketing. 

I love that because it pushes me to think differently. 

I’m originally from the Caribbean. It’s where I did my first accountancy degree and worked for many years.  

So, coming to the UK was another challenge I wanted to take on.  

But when I came here, my first child was only six years old and I had to look after her.  

I pretty much did any job that let me give her the life I wanted for her. I ended up working pre-schools. 

By the time I left the industry, I was managing three or four pre-schools and working really hard. 

But it wasn’t what I wanted to do in life. I knew that I needed to take my opportunity and start studying.  

I’m on a path where I’m trying to improve my skills and follow my true passions. 

I now have two young children, ten and eight years-old, so studying at the same time can be a challenge.  

I pretty much have to wait for them to go to sleep before I can get any real work done but it’s so worth it. 

I like to think of myself as really self-motivated. 

That mindset helped me with my undergraduate degree, so I’m taking the same attitude on my MBA. 

I can’t wait to see where it takes me next.” 

Want to follow in Carlene’s footsteps? Take a look at our MBA courses today. 

You can also book a personal consultation or register you interest to find out more about studying at the University of Sunderland in London.