Leeds Global Industry Programme  Testimonials and impact

Hear feedback about the Leeds Global Industry Programme from students and clients to global recognition.

Student feedback

This experience truly reflected what the professional world often looks like: teams with varied expertise and cultural perspectives coming together to create meaningful solutions.

Read about Carolina's experience of the programme

We learned how to listen to one another, respect each other’s opinions, and combine our strengths to achieve a common goal.

Read about Karan's experience of the programme 

“Working with team members from different cultural and academic backgrounds allowed me to better understand diverse working styles and approaches to problem-solving, which improved my communication and adaptability. In addition, the programme provided a relatively low-risk environment to gain initial experience in an international project setting. This was helpful in building my confidence before entering a more formal professional environment.”

“I would definitely recommend this program because it gives real consulting experience with an actual client, not just a simulation. The feedback process was incredibly valuable and pushed me to improve my thinking, structure, and communication. It is one of the few programs where you genuinely learn by doing and walk away with skills you can apply immediately.”

“ This programme gave me an opportunity to see leadership, teamwork and building client relationships in a new light. It gave me a new perspective in dealing with new challenges that are out of my comfort zone, and gave me the opportunity to apply and develop my skills further in a way i have never thought I would.

“I enhanced my knowledge of the charity/non-profit sector in Leeds and West Yorkshire and I learnt about important statistics in relation to employment rates between genders. The learning (through research) aspect was the most impactful for me but I found it really exciting being able to talk to someone who runs a charity and learn about their set up. The hands on experience was overall 10/10.”

Client feedback

“This is an exceptional piece of strategic work. The team has taken a complex brief, a wide range of evidence, and a sophisticated client ambition and distilled it into a clear, defensible, and actionable recommendation... The report and presentation are professional, credible, and client-ready”

The program has provided the charity with a strategy that we can move forward with. As a small team, we don't have the capacity to undertake this work of this depth. Having the opportunity to provide a brief and have a group focused on this has been invaluable.

Global recognition

After successful delivery of the Leeds Global Industry Programme in academic year 2025-26, the University of Leeds was shortlisted for the Graduate Employability Initiative of the Year award at the China-Britain Business Council's UK China Business Awards, recognising its commitment to enhancing employability, expanding opportunities, and supporting Chinese graduates' long-term career success.

Impact

In academic year 2025-26:

• 1,255 students completed the programme
• 87% of students said they would recommend the programme
• 85% of students developed and improved their career readiness skills
• 83% of students developed their target skill
• 88% of students said they will use this experience as evidence of skills in applications for future opportunities.

Across the five Leeds Global Industry Programme cohorts, students reported that taking part in the programme increased their skills and confidence in several areas, including their ‘Sector and Commercial Awareness’ (17%), followed by Communication (13%) and Leadership (13%).