Joey Yeoh at Sheffield Business School
Joey Yeoh
Sheffield Business School at Sheffield Hallam University
Home City and Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Ginger Owl Productions, Staff Logistics Coordinator – Balad Beast, Jeddah 2024
How has studying business in the United Kingdom enriched your learning experience?
Moving to the UK for my higher education has opened so many doors for me professionally and personally. I believe that work experience plays a big role in the events industry and Sheffield Hallam University has exposed me to many opportunities that I have learned valuable skills from and still use in jobs today. Not to mention, having the opportunity to put on our very own event in the final year of university was a big step toward working in the events industry.
What has been the toughest transition to living in the United Kingdom so far? What have you done to overcome this difficulty?
I believe that moving over to the UK during the pandemic made the experience more difficult and less flexible. The toughest transition was getting out of my comfort zone to make new friends and explore the new country that I moved to. With that said, I think that coming out of my comfort zone has changed me as a person, to be more outgoing, flexible, and all in all a nice person to work with!
What school service has been the most helpful in transitioning to living in the United Kingdom? How has it helped you adapt?
Sheffield Business School had many pre-existing connections in the events industry that allowed me to volunteer and get my first foot into the events industry whilst allowing me to meet a lot of new people and adapt to life in the UK. Not to mention, the tutors on my course were extremely helpful and have provided so much support throughout my time at university and beyond.
For instance, I received an opportunity to fly out to Saudi Arabia for 10 days in the first semester of my final year and my tutors could not have been more supportive of my decision to take the job and also provided extra academic support whilst I was away.
What has been the most interesting cultural nuance of people living in the United Kingdom? Why has this struck you?
It’s the abundance of accents for me! Having worked at a cafe in Sheffield as a part-timer throughout my time at university has allowed me to meet so many people from different backgrounds. With that said, I had to be adaptive and flexible with the customers as it felt like almost everyone had a unique accent when I first started!
Are you seeking a Visa to work in the United Kingdom after graduation? If so, what obstacles have you faced and how did you overcome them?
Yes, I am currently on a 2-year graduate visa which allows me to further my career as an event freelancer straight out of my higher education.
My current visa runs out in July 2025 and I might have to draw a close to my freelance career as I will have to seek a full-time job that will provide sponsorship for my future visa. With that said, I have enjoyed my time as a freelancer so far and would love to continue going down the freelance route, ultimately, the goal is to find a job that will provide sponsorship and allow me to carry on with my freelance projects on the side!
What have you done to make it easier to make friends with people from outside your home country at business school?
I think it is so important to keep an open mind as people are from different backgrounds and culture. Allow yourself to learn about other people and most importantly give other people an opportunity to get to know you and your culture! I’ve found the best of friends in the most unpredictable settings.
What piece of advice would you give to an international student looking to study in a UK graduate business program?
Give yourself a chance to make things different! The discomfort and unfamiliarity are temporary and it will all be worth it in the end. Work hard, play hard, and most importantly, love what you do and do what you love!
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