My journey to studying Finance at Loughborough University wasn't the route I originally expected to take. I initially applied for Medicine, but after I didn’t receive any offers, I started exploring other options through Clearing. I did really well in my exams and I saw that Loughborough was the highest-ranked university for finance degrees that I was interested in.
As soon as I looked into it more, it felt like the right place for me. I was drawn to the atmosphere on campus, the strong sporting culture and the quality of the facilities. There was a real energy about the University that stood out from the beginning.
One of the things I enjoyed most about my time at Loughborough Business School was the people. The University attracts driven, disciplined and ambitious students, which creates a positive environment for learning and personal development. Being surrounded by people who are working hard to achieve their goals encourages you to push yourself further too. It felt like everyone around me wanted to succeed, and that mindset was motivating throughout my degree.
One of the best parts of studying at Loughborough is the way the University supports students with employability. Even though I chose not to take a placement year, I still received plenty of support and guidance from the Placement team and Careers Network. There was always someone available to discuss opportunities, offer advice and help me think about my future career options. Through those conversations I developed a strong interest in wealth management and investment. The support available helped me gain a clearer understanding of the direction I wanted to take after graduation.
The most valuable academic experiences came during my final year. Modules such as Portfolio Management and Financial Trading gave me a much deeper understanding of the finance industry and what it is like to work in a professional financial environment. The practical nature of the coursework, simulations and trading exercises helped bring the subject to life. Rather than simply learning theories, I was able to apply concepts in realistic scenarios, which gave me a much better appreciation of the skills and decision-making involved in the sector.
Alongside my studies, I made the most of the opportunities available outside the classroom. I was involved in boxing, took part in IMS sport and attended events organised by the Loughborough Finance and Investment Society. These activities helped me meet new people, develop skills outside of my course and balance the academic side of university life with other interests.
My advice to anyone considering a degree or career in finance is to spend time researching potential career paths as early as possible. Having a clearer idea of where you might want to go after university can help you choose optional modules that align with your interests and encourage you to gain relevant work experience. It also gives you a much better understanding of what different roles involve before you begin applying for graduate opportunities.
For me, the idea of ‘Progress with Purpose’ is about continually moving closer towards something meaningful. Purpose is the most important part of the journey. If you can get one percent closer to finding your purpose every day, eventually you'll discover what is truly meaningful to you. Once you know where you want to go, it becomes much easier to build a clear plan and take the steps needed to achieve