My Journey from Bangladesh to Project Management in Leeds

Studying a Postgraduate degree is a valuable step toward unlocking new career opportunities, deepening your subject knowledge, and gaining the skills needed to stand out in today’s competitive global job market. Whether you’re continuing straight from undergraduate study or returning to education to advance your career or explore new goals, the University of Huddersfield offers a range of flexible postgraduate study options.

In this blog, Sabrina share’s her journey from postgraduate study to professional success. Including how her placement helped shape her career, the skills she developed, and the support she received along the way.

 

Why my placement was a turning point

Each module in my course offered something different, from Strategic Business to Global Professionalism, and together they gave me a strong foundation in management, strategy, and teamwork.

But the Professional Practice (placement) module was the most important part of my journey. It gave me real exposure to the UK work environment and showed me what project management looks like in practice. I worked on live projects, supported multiple teams, and learned how to apply theory to solve real challenges.

This hands-on experience made a big difference when I started my career. I graduated with confidence, not just because of what I had learned, but because I had already used those skills in a professional setting. That placement experience gave me the momentum to secure my first role soon after finishing my degree.

Skills that shaped my career

During the course, I developed a mix of technical and transferable skills that now form the core of my work. I learned how to analyse business situations, plan strategically, and communicate effectively across different cultures and departments.

Working on group projects helped me strengthen my leadership and teamwork skills, while managing tight deadlines taught me the importance of time management and adaptability. The course encouraged practical thinking and taught me how to approach problems with structure and confidence, both essential traits in project management.

Support that made a real difference 

I had incredible support throughout my studies. My tutor, Dr Qiu Wang, was always available to guide and motivate me whenever I faced challenges. His encouragement helped me stay focused and move forward with confidence.

I also worked as a Student Ambassador, which gave me opportunities to interact with prospective students and represent the university at events. It was a great experience that improved my public speaking and leadership skills and helped me feel part of a strong academic community.

That combination of mentorship and real-world experience gave me both confidence and clarity about my career direction.

My role as a Project Manager at Leeds 

I work as a Project Manager at Curtis Furniture, managing bespoke FF&E projects for hotel clients across the UK. I coordinate each project from design sign-off through to delivery and installation, working closely with clients, designers, suppliers, and our manufacturing teams. Day to day, I review drawings and schedules, organise sample approvals, monitor production progress, and visit both the factory floor and project sites to support installation planning. Clear communication across stakeholders ensures projects run smoothly and meet expectations.

Looking Ahead

I am focused on growing into a project leader who can deliver meaningful change, whether through innovation, sustainable design, or improving how teams work together. Each project I take on is a step toward managing larger programmes with broader impact.

My next goals include advancing to senior project or programme management roles, mentoring others, and deepening my expertise through PRINCE2 Practitioner and Agile certifications. I see professional growth not just as promotion but as building the capability to lead with clarity, structure, and purpose.