Pravjoth Gill

Business Management - BA (Hons)

Pravjoth’s hemiplegia cerebral palsy meant it was important to her to attend a university that provides the support she needs. Her time at BCU has given her much more. She’s created her own online disability-focused fitness and nutrition company, produced two podcasts, and raises awareness about causes she is passionate about both in and outside of her university life.

"When applying to university, I wanted to study a universal subject and, throughout my A Levels, I was drawn to business. Studying Business Studies with a placement year this was essential to me when I applied to university because I knew I’d be able to use those skills in the future. I knew BCU was the university that could help to develop both my practical and academic skills, which in turn would push me to achieve my goal of starting my own business that helps others.

BCU has helped me do just that. I joined the BSEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) cohort at the University, where entrepreneurs are supported with setting up businesses. In December 2019, I was encouraged to start my own fitness and nutrition company (called Movement Fitness and Nutrition). This focuses on people with disabilities and medical conditions. I also produce The AWARE Panel weekly podcast which discusses a variety of issues which we face in society today.

I’ve also received lots of support from the Disability team at BCU. I have cerebral palsy, so accessibility was a main priority for me. Once enrolled on the course, the wellbeing team approached me in a supportive and personalised way to ensure my needs were heard and that everything was in place for me when I started at university. This gave me the confidence to start university, knowing I would be supported every step of the way.

I assumed that people would judge me for my disability and my medical conditions, but this turned out to be wrong. Everyone on my course is really supportive and I’ve made lots of friends on and off my course. I love how diverse the university is and I feel like I can truly fit into an environment full of confident students and staff.

I’ve gained lots of experience on my placement year within Birmingham City Business School. When I was applying for the placement year, I consulted the BCU Careers+ team and they helped me through the process and to realise what kind of placement I was interested in doing. The BCU Careers+ team have really helped me push myself, understand my competencies and realise what I’m capable of. They’ve always been a big help checking my CV, cover letter and helping me prepare for interviews all of which is important to me as a business owner and someone looking for graduate positions.

My main responsibilities on placement were to help the Business School connect with small enterprises in Birmingham and the West Midlands. The placement year helped me gain more skills. Beforehand, I wasn’t very confident speaking in professional settings but speaking to businesses on a daily basis and being in a professional environment has really boosted my skills and confidence. It was great to put into practice what I’d learnt in my studies and be able to use my experiences on placement in my final year projects.

I’ve also been able to take on lots of opportunities outside of my studies. My society, Enactus BCU, is a student led society which aims to create social projects within the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The society was highly commended Team of the Year in 2021/22, and was top 25 of UK University in the Enactus UK competition for our society projects in tackling hunger and increasing education.

I’m the President of the Mental Health Society, where I encourage people to come together to tackle the stigma of mental health in young people. This is something very important to me as I suffer from anxiety, depression and PTSD. The Mental Health and Wellbeing Team at BCU have helped me prioritise my mental health whilst I’m at university and I want to help people do the same.

I am so proud of all my projects and achievements at BCU, I’ve been shortlisted and won BCU awards for my hard work as a student and my contribution to the BCU community.

To me, I AM BCU means that we all share the same vision to progress further through education. BCU is such a good place for young entrepreneurs to start any kind of business and gives you personalised advice when starting or growing your business. I believe that you can achieve your dreams if you surround yourself with others who share the same vision and ambition as you!"