Deciding where to go to university and what to study is an important decision for prospective students. As the UCAS deadline approaches, Max-Selby Bird, one of our BSc (Hons) Banking & Finance graduates, tells us why he chose to study a degree with us and how it helped his career in paraplanning.
Why did you choose to study with us?
What appealed to me about LIBF was the location, the emphasis on networking, and the small nature of the university. I wanted to do a degree that was specific to the route I chose to go down.
It was a banking and finance university college centred around the industry rather than a general university that offers banking and finance as a subject. So, it almost chose itself for me.
I learn better and tend to thrive in smaller groups. When I went to university open days, I looked at bigger universities which would have been the natural option. But they didn’t appeal to me because the courses on offer weren’t specific to the area of finance I wanted to explore.
Coming out of a small sixth form, it was quite daunting as well. I felt I would do better in a setting where I could get to know everyone and play a bigger role in the university life. Smaller lectures and smaller seminars benefited me a lot, because of the discussion element. I feel like it’s more inclusive than going to a bigger university.
What did you enjoy the most about your degree?
The ability to customise it to my own preferences and pick the modules that interested me. For example, emerging markets and fintech are two that stood out to me. I did particularly well in them because I enjoyed them the most.
Studying fintech gave me an insight that, in my experience, not many people have. Emerging markets is similar. It’s a unique offer and a different perspective than what people who went to larger household name universities were exposed to.
How did you overall experience at university support your career development?
The main support I received was from the Careers and Employability team. Especially when it came to looking for work experience and internships and entering the industry after graduating.
There was crucial support when it came to writing and updating my CV and making sure it was tailored to the roles I was applying for. Also on how to apply for roles, interview techniques, and how to make a good impression in my first job.
How did doing a degree with us help with your career?
I learnt a lot about myself from the various qualifications that I did and can now put what I’ve learnt in to practice.
Also, the importance of networking – it’s critical for a career in the financial services. My degree and the culture at LIBF really helped with that side of things.
What advice would you give to those starting a degree with us?
You get the most out of it by getting involved and being proactive. The lecturers are always willing to have additional conversations. So, interact in lectures and seminars and ask them to look over things if you’re unsure. Use all the services.
When I first joined LIBF, I was using the library resources and talking to the Careers and Employability team a lot about different pathways. I even set up a politics society. So just make the most of it.
Take advantage of the networking opportunities and go to the events that you’re most interested in. You get out what you put in!
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