Chevening Scholar Rina Ademi on Studying Global Business and Sustainability
We spoke with Rina Ademi, an MSc Global Business and Sustainability student from Kosovo and a Chevening Scholar.
Why did you choose to study MSc Global Business and Sustainability at Queen Mary?
I chose this programme because it was the only one, out of all the universities I explored in London, that offered an in-depth and practical approach to sustainability within a business context. The combination of governance, global value chains, and real-world sustainability transitions stood out to me as far more comprehensive than other programmes. I chose Queen Mary because of its strong reputation as a research-led university within the Russell Group, and its commitment to social justice, inclusion, and globally relevant scholarship. It felt like the right environment to challenge my thinking, learn from diverse perspectives, and build the academic grounding I wanted for the next stage of my career.
What have you enjoyed most about the MSc so far?
I have really enjoyed the guest speakers our professors have brought into the course. Hearing directly from practitioners and seeing how the concepts we learn in class play out in real organisations has been one of the highlights of the programme. It’s also been amazing to meet and connect with people who are already working in the fields we’re studying - it makes the learning feel much more practical, relevant, and inspiring.
How has the programme supported your academic growth, skill development, and sense of community?
The lecturers have been incredibly supportive, especially in the way they encourage us to think beyond standard approaches. I really value the creativity they bring to teaching, they constantly challenge us to think outside the box, question assumptions, and connect our learning to real-world sustainability issues. They’re also very approachable and willing to give guidance outside of class, which has helped me deepen my understanding and feel more confident in my academic development.
The most valuable skills I’ve gained are the ability to analyse sustainability through a systems and governance lens while also linking it to financial decision-making. Coming from a finance and transfer pricing background, I’ve found it especially useful to understand how sustainability transitions, global value chains, and policy frameworks shape corporate strategies and investment decisions.
One thing I didn’t expect was how interactive and discussion-based the programme would be. I thought it would be more theory-heavy, but the mix of practical exercises, real case studies, and guest speakers makes the learning feel very alive.
The community within the programme and within SBM more broadly - is incredibly diverse, both culturally and professionally. I really value how open and supportive everyone is. We all come from different countries, industries, and academic backgrounds, which creates a learning environment where you’re constantly exposed to new perspectives.
How have you engaged with opportunities beyond your studies, and what support has helped you adjust to university life?
So far, I haven’t taken part in extracurricular activities or societies, mainly because I’ve been focusing on my coursework and adjusting to the programme. However, I’m looking forward to getting more involved later in the year as my schedule allows.
The wellbeing support at Queen Mary has been especially helpful. Adjusting to a new country, a demanding programme, and balancing everything at once can be overwhelming, so having access to wellbeing resources has made a real difference.
How is the programme shaping your career goals and preparing you for future opportunities?
The programme has reinforced my interest in working at the intersection of finance, global governance, and sustainability. I’m very interested in exploring opportunities for industry projects as the year progresses. I would love to engage in a project that connects the themes of the programme with real organisational challenges, especially in sustainability and global business.
The skills I’m developing, from systems thinking to policy analysis and financial implications of sustainability align directly with the kind of roles I plan to pursue. It’s helped me feel more confident, more informed, and better equipped to move into a career that connects finance with sustainability.
What advice would you give to future students, and what insights have you gained from your experience so far?
I would tell anyone considering this programme to come with an open mind and be ready to think differently. The MSc challenges you to look at global business and sustainability from multiple angles, so being curious and willing to step outside your comfort zone will make the experience much richer. I’d also say to take advantage of the discussions, the diverse cohort, and the lecturers the more you engage, the more you’ll get out of it. It’s a great choice if you want a programme that is both practical and intellectually challenging.
I wish I had known how interactive and fast-paced the programme would be. I expected a more traditional structure, but the level of discussion, group work, and critical engagement is much higher than I anticipated. It’s a positive surprise, but I would have prepared myself earlier for how active and reflective the learning style is.
Rina Ademi, MSc Global Business and Sustainability Student and Chevening Scholar
Queen Mary University of London
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