UWTSD London Graduate Turns MBA into Mission for Global Impact and Animal Welfare
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is celebrating the graduation of Marie Jandova, an inspiring entrepreneur and first-generation university student whose journey from the Czech Republic to London is anything but ordinary. With an MBA in Accounting and Finance and a mission to create lasting global impact, Marie has combined academic excellence with bold purpose, launching a business that funds animal welfare, whilst building a remote-working lifestyle, and paving the way for a life of creativity and compassion.
Marie, who graduates today from UWTSD’s London campus, moved to the UK in pursuit of something greater, not only professionally, but personally.
“I’ve always loved learning, not just in the classroom, but through culture, people, and experience,” she said. “UWTSD gave me the space to explore all of that while building a deep understanding of finance, business, and global systems.”
Her motivation for choosing the MBA programme was clear: to unlock knowledge that would empower her to shape her own path. “I didn’t want a traditional 9-to-5 life. I wanted the freedom to create, build, and contribute and to one day make money in my sleep,” she says with a smile, recalling a dream she shared with a teacher during her A-levels.
During her studies, Marie not only embraced the academic content but brought it to life, applying financial strategies to her own ventures, exploring global challenges such as sustainability and animal welfare, and even founding Canine Fit Gym, a company that donates 100% of its profits to support dogs in Bali.
“My studies helped me speak the language of business and finance with confidence, something that once felt completely out of reach,” she says. “That confidence has opened doors to global conversations, opportunities, and ideas I never thought possible.”
While Marie didn’t follow a traditional placement route, her time at UWTSD London was far from conventional. Studying in a diverse, international environment, she gained insight not just from textbooks but from the lived experiences of her peers and lecturers. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with a strong foundation in finance, allowed her to explore remote work and volunteer opportunities around the world, all while continuing her academic journey.
Her experience wasn’t without challenges. “Balancing life abroad, financial pressures, studies, and mental health, all in a second language, has been tough,” she shares. “But I stayed focused on the long-term vision. My dog, Shadow, and my passion for creativity and service helped me push through.”
Marie now looks ahead to a future filled with global opportunities. She is actively seeking remote work in areas aligned with her values, such as sustainability, finance, or project management. She is also training to become a certified English teacher, a path that could take her to new communities around the world.
“I’m considering relocating to Asia. Bali holds a special place in my heart. The simplicity, the community, and the deep connection to nature there resonate with how I want to live,” she adds.
Reflecting on her journey, Marie offers a piece of Czech wisdom: “Kolik knih přečteš, tolikrát jsi člověkem” - “As many books as you read, that many times you are a person.” For Marie, every learning experience is a new layer in her growth, not just as a professional, but as a human being.
Further Information
Rebecca Davies
Executive Press and Media Relations Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: rebecca.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07384 467071