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.