I chose to study both my undergraduate degree and my master's at Loughborough because of its reputation as a leading sporting university. Having grown up swimming, I always saw Loughborough as the pinnacle of sport, so when it came to choosing a university it felt like the natural fit. When considering postgraduate study, I explored other options but already felt at home at Loughborough. I had built strong friendships, developed a sense of belonging and knew I could benefit from the excellent reputation of the finance programme.
As an undergraduate, I studied biology and spent my placement year at the Institute of Cancer Research, working on phase one clinical trials. While the experience was valuable, it made me realise that a career in that field was not something I felt passionate about. At the same time, the economic fallout from COVID-19 was playing out globally. Interest rates, inflation and financial markets were dominating headlines, and I became increasingly interested in understanding how economies and businesses responded to these challenges. Through Loughborough’s Finance and Investment Society, that interest developed further and ultimately inspired me to pursue a master's in finance.
Starting the programme without a finance background was challenging. The jump from undergraduate to postgraduate study is significant, and I spent several months adjusting to the pace and depth of the course. Fortunately, I have always enjoyed mathematics, which helped with the more technical aspects of the programme. The early modules were particularly important because they provided a solid grounding in corporate finance, economics and the key concepts that underpin more advanced topics. By the time we progressed to more complex material, I felt equipped to engage with it confidently.
One of the biggest differences between undergraduate and postgraduate study was the teaching environment. Class sizes were smaller, making lectures more interactive and creating closer relationships with academic staff. Lecturers were approachable and always willing to discuss questions in more detail. The learning atmosphere also felt more mature because everyone on the course had chosen to specialise in the subject and was highly motivated to succeed.
In terms of course content, I was drawn to the more quantitative modules. Corporate Finance Fundamentals, Derivatives and Risk Management, Portfolio Management and Financial Statement Analysis were among the areas I enjoyed most. I have always preferred practical problem-solving and analytical thinking to purely theoretical reading, so I found these modules particularly engaging. Learning how businesses operate, how economic and industry pressures affect performance, and how organisations are valued and assessed helped shape my interest in pursuing a career in brokerage.
Beyond academics, extracurricular activities were a major part of my university experience. I swam for the university during my first two years before taking a placement year. During that time away, I rediscovered my interest in rugby, having played it at school before focusing on swimming. When I returned to Loughborough, I joined Bakewell IMS and later took part in Super Series and All Stars competitions. In my first year, as restrictions from the pandemic gradually eased, events such as dodgeball, volleyball and touch rugby provided fantastic opportunities to meet people and reconnect with university life. Those experiences helped me appreciate the unique sporting culture that makes Loughborough stand out.
Loughborough’s sporting structure, from IMS to Super Series and All Stars, creates a strong sense of community and participation. It offers opportunities for students of all abilities while also connecting them with elite athletes. Being surrounded by talented individuals who balanced sporting success with academic achievement was incredibly motivating. Watching friends excel in both areas encouraged me to set higher standards for myself and reinforced the value of commitment and discipline.
The Finance and Investment Society also played a significant role in my development. Attending talks from alumni, hearing analysts discuss their careers and participating in market simulation events provided valuable insights into the financial sector. Those experiences broadened my understanding of potential career paths and were instrumental in my decision to pursue a master's degree in finance.
For new students, my advice would be simple: get involved in as much as possible. Introduce yourself to people, attend taster sessions, join societies and take advantage of every opportunity available. The relationships you build often become one of the most rewarding parts of university life, and the connections formed in your first year can continue long after graduation.
After graduation, I accepted a graduate role with Portman Finance Group as a finance broker. The position involves helping small and medium-sized businesses access suitable finance solutions across the UK. While the company recruits graduates from a variety of academic backgrounds, I believe my master's degree gave me a strong advantage during the recruitment process. The knowledge I gained about lending, economic conditions and business decision-making helped me demonstrate credibility and commercial understanding.
Looking back, the course prepared me both intellectually and professionally. The emphasis on applied coursework was particularly valuable because it developed practical problem-solving skills rather than simply testing memory. Combined with my involvement in societies, sport and the wider university community, the programme gave me the technical knowledge, confidence and professional skills needed to begin my career. I feel well prepared to enter a role where analytical thinking, credibility and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations are essential from day one.