Case Study

Alexandra Bratu

BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management


For BSc (Hons) International Tourism and Hospitality Management graduate, Alexandra Bratu, University was a life-changing experience. In this Case Study, she tells us about what she’s been up to since graduating.

I honestly think that the experience I got at the University meant I had the skills needed to get the job. 

During my studies, I was lucky enough to become the first University of Sunderland in London student to do a placement with the help of the team at the Sunderland campus.

That was an incredible thing to experience, working in America in the hotel industry.  

But, like so many people around the world, my plans got put on hold in March 2020 when the pandemic hit. 

I’m currently working in a small electronics company, in the logistics department, which I’m so grateful for because obviously this is a difficult time to find employment. 

I honestly think though that the experience I got at the University during my classes meant I had the skills needed to get the job. 

I was lucky enough to get experience at one of the biggest hotels in London, along with the work in the US I mentioned earlier. 

It’s a shame that I haven’t had a chance to practice what I’ve learned in a professional capacity yet, but I’m confident that the future is already looking promising. 

My ideal is to work in a big international organisation because I think it would be the best place to put everything I’ve learned into practice as well as progress further. 

When I moved to London from Romania, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my career. The decision to apply to the University changed everything.

I now feel so far ahead of where I was before.

For as long as I can remember I’ve always been fascinated by travel. It’s the excitement of exploring new places, meeting new people and learning about different cultures which interests me. 

It was that passion and joy which encouraged me to study a degree in travel and tourism, as well as go for a career in the sector. 

I chose the University of Sunderland in London on the recommendation of a friend. She’d done her degree at the main campus and always told me about the amazing experience she had there. 

Her story inspired me so much, and what better place in the world for a travel lover than London? It all came together so well. 

Of course, no university experience is worth anything with good teachers, and we had the best. 

They’re all so knowledgeable, always there to help us and very engaging. My message to any prospective students would be to go for it!  

I am so grateful for every opportunity the University of Sunderland in London has given me.  

All the amazing things I got to do (sailing to the main campus, travelling around the UK with the Travel and Tourism Society, being part of the Student Mobility Project and going to America, are because of my time with the University.  

I cannot believe my academic journey has come to an end. I recently go my results and I’m happy to say I got a First-Class Honours! These have genuinely been the best years of my life”

Want to follow in Alex's footsteps? Visit our Tourism, Hospitality and Events courses now.  

You can also register your interest or book a personal consultation to find out more. 

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