Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

After changing from a music degree, I realised I wanted to go down a finance route, but wasn't sure how to get there. Hearing about the careers team, the career advisors (especially Paul McCormick), and all the other initiatives at LUMS/Lancaster, I was confident that, even if I didn't know how to get there, the right support was in place to get me where I wanted to go.

What was the best thing about your course?

It's a brilliant place to meet like-minded people and learn about all the different areas in Finance. Having joined Lancaster University Investment and Finance Society (LUIFS), now Lancaster Economics and Finance Society (LEFS), and also being part of the student-led investment fund, I gained a lot of insight into areas of finance I didn't realise existed. Opportunities to meet finance professionals at the Lancaster Forum also help me greatly in building my network and opening doors.

What/who inspired you most at LUMS and why?

The community at LUMS as a whole was great to be around, amongst equally ambitious and determined students, along with supportive members of staff. What I think was truly exceptional was the finance society at Lancaster, which hosted the largest student-led finance conference in the North West of England. Along with Paul McCormick, who has supported my career growth over my four years at Lancaster, these initiatives were monumental to my growth and helped showcase the possibilities from Lancaster.

Did you do a project, placement or study abroad? What did this involve and what did you gain?

I did a 14 month placement at UBS within the Asset Management division. I was placed within the Request for Proposals (RFP) team, which helps service clients and raise money for the firm to invest. It also gave me the opportunity to understand the division more broadly and also enabled me to explore more skills, such as Python coding, to improve internal processes.

Describe your time at LUMS in three words.

Collaborative, supportive, and ambitious

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

Leading the communications team in the finance society, working alongside equally passionate people, we organised the Lancaster Forum, which hosted a variety of finance panels to help teach students about the different industries within the sector.

What are the best things about living in the Lancaster area?

There is a great sense of community. It's very easy to meet new people

What impact did scholarships or funding have on your degree experience?

They enabled me to travel to and from interviews in London and also meant I didn't need to work during term time, which was a huge benefit to my wellbeing.

Which parts of your Lancaster experience were the best preparation for your job?

Speaking with Paul McCormick, the networking events with students back from internships and placements, as well as finance professionals, and the overall community gave insights that enabled me to understand the industry better.

What impact has your Lancaster experience had on your career?

Lancaster and the people there have opened the doors to my career in finance. I wouldn't be working in London now without all the support over the last 4 years.