Why did you choose to study at LUMS?

The rankings of both the University and Management School spoke for themselves and I was extremely impressed with the support provided to students aiming to secure a placement year.

What was the best thing about your course?

Studying Business Economics there is a lot of freedom to choose modules in Second and Final year, hence you can tailor your degree towards what you enjoy the most (or what you get the best grades in!), which for me was in finance-related modules.

What/who inspired you most at LUMS and why?

Paul McCormick – Financial Careers Coach and Financial Markets module lecturer. Paul was instrumental in helping me secure my placement year at UBS Asset Management by offering one-to-one sessions, mock assessment centres and providing me with information that was easy to digest and use in interviews at assessment days. Paul is also the lecturer for the Financial Markets module, which I found by far the most interesting module to study given its topical nature and Paul’s engaging teaching style, which included an Asset Management and Investment Banking trading simulation session.

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

The 12 months I spent at UBS Asset Management were the most challenging and rewarding of my university experience. I worked in the UK Institutional Client Coverage team, who are responsible for maintaining the relationships with the firm’s clients as well as bringing in new business. My placement taught me so much about myself as well as the financial world, and was capped off by completing the Investment Management Certificate. There is no doubt the year helped me achieve the grade I wanted with my degree and secure the graduate role I am currently in.

Describe your time at LUMS in three words.

"I'd do-it again"...

What are your best memories of your time at Lancaster?

The best memories I made were through the sports teams I was part of, from Lonsdale College Football and Darts to the Lancaster Roses Cheerleading Society. I held several positions on the Executive Committee across these societies, which provided the opportunity to develop skills you otherwise wouldn’t through studying. As a result of getting involved as much as possible I’ve made friends for life and had a considerable amount of fun along the way.

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

It’s so cheap. Yet to find a pub in London that offers pints for £1.50 but I could name you several in Lancaster!

Is there anything else about your LUMS experience that you'd like to share with us?

Go and seek help whenever you need it straight away. The support is there, whether it be with academics or placement search, and everyone I’ve spoken to has always been more than happy to help, but it is up to you to make them aware of your situation. Don’t learn this the hard way.