Ruchira's Year in Belfast: A Journey of Growth, Learning, and Unforgettable Connections

It’s been a year since I took the leap and moved to Belfast, a vibrant, energetic city that’s become my new home, filled with professional and personal milestones, challenges, and inspiring individuals. As I embarked on my MSc in Marketing at Queen’s Business School, I could never have anticipated how transformative this year would be. It’s been a whirlwind of roles, events, new ventures, and eye-opening experiences.

How did you find the first month in Queen's Business School?

My journey began at Queen’s Business School, where I not only delved into my MSc in Marketing but also joined the QBS Connect team as a Student Skills Assistant. Here, I worked with an incredible team, including Karl Webb, Arlene Bustard, Erin Schreck, Tong En Sim, Miriam O’Rilley, Guilherme Rojo Dos Santos, and Lili Mepham. This role became my gateway into the vibrant community of Queen’s Business School, where I got the chance to collaborate with diverse individuals, host events, and enhance my skills in a supportive environment. From the first month, I knew I was in the right place.

How did you manage to make new connections in a new city? 

October brought a new layer to my journey as I became the Social Media Assistant for Queen’s Business School. Working with Guy Corr, Kimberley White, Clare Gallagher, Emilia Suchora, Katie McGonigle, Rebecca Fish, and Yaping Chen, I dived into producing content that highlighted the dynamic life at Queen’s. It was my first foray into creating video content for platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. This role challenged me to sharpen my skills in content creation and editing, which I hadn’t fully explored before. It was an exciting opportunity to develop professionally, gaining experience that would be valuable for future roles.

November marked a memorable milestone: hosting QBS Connect’s inaugural event. This experience taught me the importance of community and networking. Engaging with students and staff, we organised a series of events that helped foster connections and promote employability. Organising these gatherings was both challenging and rewarding, and it provided the ideal setting to engage with new people and expand my network in Belfast.

Did you have any leadership roles while in Belfast?

The new year started with a significant step in my leadership journey as I took on the role of Chair for the Institute of Directors (IoD) at Queen’s University. Leading such a prestigious group has been a humbling experience, pushing me to develop both my organisational and interpersonal skills. The role demanded not only vision but also a commitment to bringing together a diverse set of voices and perspectives, helping to shape the IoD’s future at Queen’s.

Joining the Co-Founders Programme by Catalyst was one of the most thrilling parts of my year. Supported by Sai Prudhvi, Hannah, Claire, Holly, and my mentor Carlos Latcham, I embarked on the journey of creating a start-up. Together, we developed Balantra, and in just a few months, we raised £30,000 in funding. Winning the programme was a huge milestone, and the experience reinforced the power of collaboration, perseverance, and shared vision. We also earned the Techstart PoC Grant and joined additional initiatives like the QUEST Programme, which further solidified our foundation.

I hosted the IoD’s flagship panel discussion. The panel featured inspiring leaders like Steve from the Ethnic Minority Employment and Entrepreneurship Network (EMEEN), Joanne from Glow Metrics, and Olanike. Interacting with such accomplished individuals was enriching, and it opened the door to further opportunities. Shortly after the event, I joined EMEEN as Marketing Lead, thanks to Steve’s mentorship and support.

Were there any highlights of your time here in Belfast?

May was a career highlight as I attended the “Time to Change” event at Stormont Estate and had the honour of interviewing Conor Murphy, Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy Minister. Representing EMEEN, I was given the unique opportunity to contribute to critical conversations about entrepreneurship, community engagement, and economic growth. This experience was both humbling and inspiring, underscoring the importance of inclusive policies in fostering diverse entrepreneurial landscapes.

In April, I participated in the Common Purpose Programme, where I collaborated with PSNI on initiatives focusing on community engagement and entrepreneurship. This role allowed me to work with local organisations, widening my understanding of the social and economic fabric of Belfast.

I participated in the Make It Happen Fund at SU Enterprise which was another highlight for me. I shot podcasts for EMEEN in partnership with British Business Bank, and spoke on the SSRVM Alumni Meet Panel. The culmination of the month was attending Techstars Belfast Weekend, where I connected with industry leaders and budding entrepreneurs. These experiences underscored the importance of storytelling and sharing knowledge, allowing me to connect with communities and inspire budding entrepreneurs.

Did you have any internship's during your MSc Marketing masters? 

I joined Grand Scale as a Marketing Intern, working alongside Leanne Jennings, Roisin Garland, Aspa Evangelopoulo, and Jackie Devine in an empowering, all-female team. Their support for my start-up was invaluable, and it was a privilege to work in such a nurturing environment. I also travelled to Milan for the Polimi Graduate School, a global study tour hosted by Queen’s University. This journey was an opportunity to gain international perspectives, exchange ideas, and learn from peers worldwide.

As you reflect on your year in Belfast what are you looking forward to in the future?

The past month has been one of reflection and growth. I joined the Scaling The Edge Programme to further develop Balantra’s market research. I also attended the Enterprise Educators UK Programme and Ideas Fest 2024, two events that offered insights into innovative entrepreneurship. My final research project, focused on barriers to female entrepreneurship, brought me in contact with inspiring women like Máirín, Maura, Dr. Alison, Pavlina, and Leanne. Engaging with them deepened my understanding of the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face and inspired me to contribute to a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

As I look to the future, I’m filled with gratitude for the support and opportunities that have defined my Belfast journey. From hosting events and starting a company to exploring community engagement and leadership, each experience has added a new layer to my personal and professional growth. I’m ready to face whatever comes next, confident in my abilities and grateful for the amazing people who have been part of this journey.

Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this adventure—I can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruchira Radhe Rangaprasad

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