Meet students who studied postgraduate Economics at Queen Mary
After studying for a Masters in Economics at Queen Mary, our students go on to a variety of different careers. We spoke to some of them to get their impressions of the working world, and to find out how a degree in Economics has helped them.
Meet the students
Course: MSc Law & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
"I chose Queen Mary for its excellent reputation, and because the newly established Law and Finance Masters seemed the perfect fit for furthering my career in financial regulation."
"The seed of the idea of undertaking a postgraduate course was planted back in 2006 by one of the partners of the firm that was my previous employer, Deloitte, when I was working in their regulatory consulting practice. But then soon after I moved to Bovill (a small boutique regulatory consulting practice) and with the challenges that helping grow a small consulting firm bring, somehow I didn’t get around to pursuing it seriously for another four years.
I was looking to push myself and broaden my academic horizons (and in my opinion a consultant that thinks she knows everything is a bad consultant!) And whilst I have spent the last eleven years making a career out of financial regulatory consulting, and collecting various industry qualifications along the way, I have always been conscious that, unlike the professions of law or accountancy, there is no recognized formal qualification path one must take as a management consultant.
I chose Queen Mary for its excellent reputation, and because the newly established Law and Finance Masters seemed the perfect fit for furthering my career in financial regulation. It also suited my mathematics background, which was the subject of my first degree from the University of Durham in 1999. The fact that it was twelve years since I had sat any degree level exams was a little daunting, but also part of the challenge.
And it has very much been the correct choice. I am taking the course part time, over two years. Although it wasn't quite the plan, I still seem to be working full time as a Principal at Bovill, and the time pressures of balancing work, study and lectures have made it especially tough. But challenge is what I was looking for, and my colleagues and clients have been understanding and supportive.
The MSc in Law and Finance has surpassed my expectations in terms of the quality of teaching, and access to professionals in their field. The combination of law and economics modules provides new depth to thinking about very current and very topical issues, for example through examining and dissecting the root causes of the financial crisis. It has been refreshing to hear new views, and the teaching has provided more formality to my understanding of the subject of law in particular, and an approach to problem solving using more formal quantitative research techniques. The course has renewed my interest in my subject.
Particularly interesting have been the guest lecturers that have been invited in- from a visiting overseas lawyer that is a specialist in US securities law to a volatility trader working in one of the largest investment banks, all of which helped bring the subjects alive and encouraged thinking about the subject matter from a different and very practical, as well as academic, angle. What I hadn't expected was how my fellow students would enrich the experience - I have made new friends, from many nations, and this has definitely helped make some of the challenges much easier and lectures very enjoyable.
I'm not going to pretend that the time pressures of balancing work and study has been easy (there are only a hardcore handful of fellow students willing to attend lectures from 6 until 9pm on a Friday evening) but I am lucky to have a very understanding and supportive husband."
Rebecca is a Consultant at Bovill.
Course: MSc Law & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
"I really enjoyed my time here, as I had the opportunity to meet outstanding people and get a truly international experience."
Ekaterina is an Associate at Hannes Snellman in Russia. She was one of our Bursary Winners.
"I started my professional career in one of the major international law firms, Baker & McKenzie that I joined as an Intern. After completing my Master degree in Civil Law at the Faculty of Law of Moscow State University summa cum laude I was promoted for a position of a Trainee and then a Junior Associate. Then I upgraded my knowledge, completing a PhD degree in Business Law at the Faculty of Law of State University – Higher School of Economics, which led me to develop my professional career. So I joined Hannes Snellman, a Nordic firm with a strong foothold in Russia, as an Associate.
I have been practicing in the sphere of corporate and commercial legal issues but as my background was purely legal, I felt that in order to understand the core concepts underlying any M&A transaction I need to have basic knowledge of economic aspects. So I decided to apply for a degree relating to financial and banking services – either LLM in Banking and Finance or MSc Law and Finance course. Although I had been offered places by almost all top law schools, I made the best choice by selecting Queen Mary. First of all, after careful selection of the proposed programmes I decided to develop fully my economic knowledge to supplement the legal one, so made a choice in favor of MSc Law and Finance programme. Secondly, Queen Mary University of London is well-known for providing not only excellent research opportunities but also for delivering business concepts and approaches which is so valuable nowadays.
The MSc Law and Finance programme allow the students to choose the modules to be attended depending on the practical needs for the future profession. There are 3 specialisations – 1) Banking and Financial Services, 2) Law and Financial Regulation, 3) Law and Corporate Finance, so there is an opportunity to select between them according to the career path chosen. I really enjoyed my time here, as I had the opportunity to meet outstanding people and get a truly international experience."
Course: MSc Banking & Finance
Graduation year: 2012
"[The School of Economics and Finance] manages to offer a curriculum that provides the required theoretical background and also meets the needs of modern businesses, offering empirical application of such knowledge."
Why did you choose the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary for your Postgraduate study?
The evidence of high academic quality and the strong links with the financial sector and economic developments, made the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary my top destination for my master studies. It manages to offer a curriculum that provides the required theoretical background and also meets the needs of modern businesses, offering empirical application of such knowledge.
Moreover, the favorable environment for the development of critical thinking and contact with the business industry that the city of London provides, made it an excellent choice.
What did you gain from your time at the School of Economics and Finance?
Studying in a competitive and multinational environment has been a valuable experience and excellent preparation for the working conditions. Moreover, it triggered my interest to explore in depth the interrelatedness of financial markets.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
Aiming to recognition as a professional economist the program will affect my career plans by expanding my horizons in the field of finance and adapting economic theory to apply to real life questions and problems.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2013
"QUMMIF has been a fantastic way to merge academic theory into practical application"
Why did you choose the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary for your postgraduate study?
I chose Queen Mary School of Economics and Finance for postgraduate study because of the wide range of excellent modules being taught. In addition, the option of studying towards the CISI Masters in Wealth Management appealed greatly. The Postgraduate Investment Society; QUMMIF, for which I was elected President, has been a fantastic way to merge academic theory into practical application on ther financial markets assisting with asset research and portfolio management. The calibre of the staff and course content is of a very high standard. The optional voluntary modules in C++, VBA and the Financial Trading Programme were also deciding factors to maximise my learning.
What did you gain from your time at the School of Economics and Finance?
As a part time student, so far I have gained an extensive knowledge of econometric methods to financial market modelling, portfolio management and financial market trading across various asset classes and much more. I have gained a lot of international friends through my work with QUMMIF and continued to develop my leadership and management skills.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
My career plans include initially securing an Internship and then a Full Time position within a Hedge Fund, Fund of Funds or Investment Bank in Sales and Trading, Prime Brokerage or Asset / Private Wealth Management.
Course: MSc Law & Finance
"The university has collected some of the most world known professors to educate us; their ideas are so fresh, current and enlightening that it is a pleasure to be taught by them."
Hi Ben, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! Can you tell us a little bit about why you chose to study at Queen Mary?
Queen Mary has always been known for its research and teaching quality, hence with Queen Mary ranked 2nd in London & 4th nationally in Law, MSc Law & Finance would definitely be the perfect course for me given my economic undergraduate background.
You've almost finished your first semester now, what are your impressions of the university and MSc programme?
MSc is a big leap from undergraduate, it involves lots of input & research from students, rather than "spoon-feeding" you knowledge. Hence the university has collected some of the most world known professors to educate us; their ideas are so fresh, current and enlightening that it is a pleasure to be taught by them. My course mates all studied their undergraduate degrees at top universities in the UK, and have chosen QM to study our course, which indicates how high the teaching quality is. The university has upgraded lots of its facilities, especially the library which makes things much easier, fully equipped with a 50 inch TV computer in each group study room, automated book lending system; what more can a student ask for, it's hugely efficient.
Congratulations on being selected as a representative for MSc Law & Finance, how are you finding it? What does being a course rep involve?
Being a course rep has always been very enjoyable & challenging; it's easy to define course rep as a person who acts as a voice for course mates needs. I am always happy to receive enquires as you learn more interesting facts about the university’s everyday operations; furthermore having regular Student Support Committee meetings makes a lot of difference in student's learning environment. There are so many resources from the School that improve our experience. But being course rep doesn't only focus on the academic side, we are holding a Christmas dinner for course mates and directors of the course, can't wait!!
Do you have any plans for when you've graduated?
Very likely I will work on to PhD as I am determined to become a lecturer to educate the next generation. Having such great lecturers enlightening me throughout my learning path in QM, it just makes me more determined to join them.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
"Being selected to represent my course is an honour for me, and a great opportunity to be able to help my colleagues."
Hi Rafal, thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for us! Can you tell us a little bit about why you chose to study at Queen Mary?
I like the environment at Queen Mary! It's nice, diverse and offered the MSc Investment and Finance programme, which I wanted to study. In addition, the location of the university is great.
Congratulations on being selected as a representative for MSc Investment & Finance, what does being a course rep involve?
It's quite challenging to represent such a diverse pool of students; it involves a lot activities. Being selected to represent my course is an honour for me, and a great opportunity to be able to help my colleagues. I find it very exciting, so far I have been able to sort out some difficulties that fellow students were facing and help organizing a number of activities.
Do you have any plans for when you've graduated?
I would love to enhance my work experience in a reputable financial institution, and to work as a Financial Analyst, the other plan is to join the PhD programme at QM and enhance my research capabilities!
Course: MSc Banking & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
"I chose Queen Mary because of the excellent reputation in the field of Banking and Finance and the wider field of Economics, that Queen Mary has."
Hi Neville, can you tell us a bit about the MSc you are studying and why you chose Queen Mary?
I am studying for a Banking and Finance MSc. It involves in depth analysis on portfolio management, valuation, and quantative methods in finance
I chose Queen Mary because of the excellent reputation in the field of Banking and Finance and the wider field of Economics, that Queen Mary has. In addition, I had studied there many years ago in the Economics Department.
What challenges did you face returning to education as a mature student?
Many! Financial, cultural, and learning.
I paid for the course myself as I knew this would be great investment in my future, but it did also involve paying for living expenses and not earning for a year.
I had many years which I enjoyed in a Sales and Marketing environment, comeing back to an academic environment was different, but a very enjoyable challenge.
I also had to relearn how to efficiently learn. It took a few weeks!
The trading society has been a big success. Can you tell us a little more about that?
There was already an existing Trading and Investment Society which I wanted to be involved with as soon as I joined QMUL. However, it was a joint group activity. A friend and I thought it would be a good idea to have in addition, a direct competition between students to compare trading styles and to have an eventual top three. Also we were all being taught Portfolio Management, and we thought it would be good to actually trade on a trading simulation platform. We had backing from the Department and awarded substantial prizes to the top three. We were pleased that a high proportion of Masters Students joined the tournament and it was a great success.
What are you plans after graduation?
I plan to have a career in the City of London, in the area of Banking and Finance. I would also welcome working overseas in financial markets.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2009
"The close contact with academic and professional mentors inspired me to thrive in this environment."
Robinson is currently working at Bloomberg LP
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
I chose Queen Mary because of its good reputation, its practical hands-on approach and its selection of modules, which matched my interests perfectly. Another important reason for choosing Queen Mary was the mix of lecturers from both academic and professional backgrounds.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
Apart from the gaining a great amount of knowledge and learning from the wisdom passed on by lecturers I found my time at Queen Mary to greatly enhance my horizon. Furthermore, the close contact with academic and professional mentors inspored me to thrive in this environment.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
My career plans over the medium term are not set in stone for now. However, my ambition is to be professionally active in the financial services industry, learning about the industry from different angles focusing on the trading of financial products and the regulation thereof.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2009
"The teaching standards and facilities are excellent."
Priyanka is currently working as a freelance finance researcher along with preparing her business plans for future.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
The decision to choose Queen Mary was a very calculated one on my end. The reputation of the economics department (one of the leading departments in the UK) and the centralised location of the sprawling campus in the heart of London city were the biggest reasons for me to decide to study at Queen Mary. Secondly, the course modules for this course were pretty challenging and contemporary and in sync with what I wanted to do.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
My time at Queen Mary has been one of my best so far. I was fortunate enough to live in the university halls of residence which was my home for one full year and an amazing place to live. Not only did I meet a lot of like-minded people from different backgrounds, countries and disciplines but I also made many long lasting friends.
Academically, my course has kept me interested throughout the year and the teaching standards and facilities are excellent. We had the most wonderful lecturers and the department was well organised and extremely helpful. All in all the experience had been truly satiating on the personal and professional level. If given a chance I would love to relive that one year in Queen Mary.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
I am extremely inspired by the number of opportunities available to the entrepreneurs in this country and I plan to set up my own venture soon within financial advice and counselling.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2009
"Apart from QM’s high reputation in teaching standards, the location of the campus in the Mile End area made the college an attractive place for me since exciting places in the multicultural city of London were accessible in a matter of minutes by the underground."
Muhammad is currently Associate Manager, Institutional Equity Sales and Trading, City Brokerage Limited.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
While I was searching for a university for my higher degree in finance, Queen Mary was one of the top ranking institutions in the UK and still is. The Department of Economics was equipped with high quality teaching staff and offered the exact course that I was looking for: MSc Finance and Investment. The college also offered fantastic on-campus accommodation facilities and the modern library was located a short walk away. Apart from QM’s high reputation in teaching standards, the location of the campus in the Mile End area made the college an attractive place for me since exciting places in the multicultural city of London were accessible in a matter of minutes by the underground. It may be mentioned here that a few of my relatives graduated from QM and now working at various renowned investment banks. This has also influenced me in choosing this wonderful college.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
The MSc Finance and Investment was a very interesting course to study at the time of global recession. The course materials were made up-to-date and real life examples were provided in the classroom. In addition to regular coursework and lectures, guest speakers from the industry were invited to share their own job experiences with students. This has helped me to link class room teaching to real life scenarios in the best possible manner. During my study, I have come across people from different nationalities and it has been a great experience. QM has taught me to be a hard working and a patient person and this led to gaining the postgraduate degree. It is not just the degree I obtained but a lot of things came with it.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
In next five years I would like to work for an asset management firm as its fund manager and if possible set up my own firm at some point in time. Frontier Markets such as Bangladesh has a lot to offer in next few years and a lot of foreign funds are already expressing their interests in the Bangladesh Stock Market.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2009
"My education at Queen Mary has equipped me with the fundamental knowledge, experience, and qualification necessary to achieve career advancement in any organisation."
Folaranmi is currently working for Lloyds.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
Queen Mary was ranked among the top 200 universities in the world as at 2008 and was the ideal institution to study Investment & Finance because of its global reputable name and also its presence in the city of London, which is regarded as the financial capital of the World. Moreover, I met representatives of the university at an open day, and their warm and friendly responses to my enquiries were more than enough to convince me to choose Queen Mary.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
My education at Queen Mary has equipped me with the fundamental knowledge, experience, and qualification necessary to achieve career advancement in any organisation. However, the modules offered were not just limited to lectures alone. Extra seminars were also organized to promote students’ understanding of the inner workings of financial markets, where I met key players in the financial services industry such as employees, directors and even CEOs of major financial institutions.
Queen Mary is not just like any other university in the UK. The atmosphere is very receptive and accommodating, the facilities are excellent, and the staff members are very welcoming and supportive.
I had a very wonderful experience at Queen Mary as it was the perfect university to study, it is multi-culturally diverse, and is situated in the ideal location for anyone who enjoys the ambience of the city.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
Having settled down as an employee with a company such as Lloyds, I plan to maintain my career in the financial services sector. My goal in the next five years is to become an effective and valued Manager where I could use my accumulated skills to contribute to the achievement of organizational goals and objectives.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Interview with Li Zhengyu, an Analyst at Clarkson Research Services Ltd who graduated from our MSc Investment and Finance in September 2010.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
Firstly, location. Queen Mary has a good location in London and allows me to commute to my current company in the City to do the part time job during my postgraduate study.
Secondly, cost performance: The School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary is recognised for the excellence of both its teaching and research and the graduate employment rate and starting salary of Queen Mary is 6th in the UK. With these excellent performances, the tuition fee for international student is very competitive.
Thirdly, course structure: The structure of the MSc Investment and Finance is excellently setup. In the first term, mathematical and theoretical foundation is built up and in the second term, the strong foundation offers great help to complete demanding courses. Also, several options are available to serve different tastes, which allow me to follow my interests.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
I have been with this company as a shipping analyst for five years and throughout the past years, I gradually become interested in shipping finance. The knowledge I received during my study in Queen Mary allows me to pursue my interests in shipping finance area. This not only enables me to be more valuable to the company but also broadens my career path in the future.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
"I believe that this course equips you for success and would recommend it to anyone who is both hardworking and motivated to excel.".
Why did you choose Queen Mary, University of London?
My decision to pursue a Masters programme at Queen Mary was centred on the following factors: it being renowned for research in the UK, its faculty members who are distinguished not only in teaching but also publish in the profession's most influential journals, a multinational student base, thriving alumni evidenced by an attractive post-graduation employment rate and important of all, the possibility to study my desired course on a part-time basis. Queen Mary, School of Economics and Finance, currently ranked sixth in research in the UK, ticked all my boxes.
Why did you choose the MSc Investment and Finance programme?
With a strong desire to advance my career in finance while working full-time, the MSc Investment and Finance programme was a good fit in terms of content and the part-time option. The course content is current, rigorous and most importantly has a combination of stimulating and interactive lectures, group assignments and additional support classes for part-time students. My experience with the MSc Investment and Finance Programme has not only enhanced my academic knowledge, but also provided an excellent platform for my personal development. The combined experience of time management, involvement in extracurricular activities and the ready access to faculty members and tutors for further interaction has made my somewhat daunting full-time work and study experience manageable and enjoyable.
I believe that this course equips you for success and would recommend it to anyone who is both hardworking and motivated to excel.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2010
"Queen Mary has a great location in London and allows me to commute to my current company in the City to do the part time job during my postgraduate study."
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
1. Location. Queen Mary has a great location in London and allows me to commute to my current company in the City to do the part time job during my postgraduate study.
2. Cost performance: The School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary is recognised for the excellence of both its teaching and research and the graduate employment rate and starting salary of Queen Mary is 6th in the UK. With these excellent performances, the tuition fee for international student is very competitive.
3. Course structure: The structure of the MSc Investment and Finance is excellently set up. In the first term, mathematical and theoretical foundation is built up and in the second term, the strong foundation offers great help to complete demanding courses. Also, several options are available to serve different tastes, which allow me to follow my interests.
How did you find out about your current job?
I have been with this company as a shipping analyst for five years and throughout the past years, I gradually become interested in shipping finance. The knowledge I received during my study in Queen Mary allows me to pursue my interests in the area of shipping finance. This not only enables me to be more valuable to the company but also broadens my career path in the future.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
"Queen Mary University is one of the few schools which offers the University of London degree and is known for many years for its academic achievements amongst the most prestigious institutions around the world."
I chose to be part of the QM Department of Economics which has been doing tremendously well in terms of research work in the last few years. Moreover, the employment rate of QM students is far better than many of its competitor universities. I have been very appreciative of the fact that QM's standard of teaching and the amount of exposure to numerous activities, both academic and extracurricular, have been above my expectations.
MSc Finance and Investment course had been structured in such a way that it enables students to not only learn the theories behind it but to implement those theories in the practical world or the professional environment. In order to do that, students are kept engaged in course lectures, seminars and lectures on current financial environment. Being one of the course reps for my class, I have been able to learn a lot from my supervisors and my fellow students belonging with diverse backgrounds. In general, till now, QM has given me the confidence and guidance to explore myself in ways which I never thought of before.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
Interview with Mai-Li Pang who read BSc Economics at Queen Mary and then went on to gain an MSc in Finance and Investment here.
After having studied BSc Economics at Queen Mary, I decided to stay at Queen Mary to obtain an MSc in Finance and Investment. QM Department of Economics and Finance is renowned for its excellent reputation and outstanding research work, and since I completed my Bachelors here I knew the university and the lecturers relatively well. I appreciate the quality of teaching, and the knowledge and exposure to my subjects and the encouraging support of my supervisors.
The Msc Finance and Investment course is very well structured; it combines lectures, support classes and guest speakers to keep the students engaged with the current financial markets. Some of the lectures are taught by professionals who bring valuable knowledge and experiences. As one of the course rep of the course I have thoroughly enjoyed my first semester at QM, not only have I began to grasp an in-depth understanding of the financial markets but I have also met a wide range of students from different cultures and backgrounds.
Course: MSc Economics
Graduation year: 2011
"Lectures are often very interactive, and homework assignments and their constructive discussion during classes greatly enhance understanding."
I became interested in Economics during my study of Management Engineering. After working as a teaching assistant and then as a freelance consultant, I decided it was time to improve my knowledge of the subject and acquire a professional profile suitable for a career in economic research. I applied to Queen Mary based on personal recommendations, the College and Departmental Rankings, and of course the positive externalities due to its location in London; the offer by the School of Economics and Finance to waive my fees removed any additional doubts.
I am finding the MSc Economics course highly interesting and stimulating; lectures are often very interactive, homework assignments and their constructive discussion during classes greatly enhance understanding, and faculty members are always available for clarifications and eager to discuss any further questions. Moreover, the College provides excellent computing and library facilities, and though I personally don't live on campus, I find it a very pleasant place to study.
Overall, after this first Semester I remain very much satisfied with my choice to come to Queen Mary, and I am convinced that I will both enjoy the remaining part of the Master and leverage the acquired knowledge and skills for my future career as an economist.
Course: MSc Banking & Finance
Graduation year: 2011
"The MSc Banking and Finance programme has provided me with quantitative skills and the financial industry knowledge which is highly valued by the employers nowadays."
The MSc in Banking and Finance is a well-designed programme which equips students with skills required to pursue a career in financial industry. I am talking from my own experience - I have recently been employed by the leading commodity analysis provider for financial industry (CRU) as a research analyst. The MSc Banking and Finance programme has provided me with quantitative skills and the financial industry knowledge which is highly valued by the employers nowadays.
In particular, I would like to mention the courses which I found extremely useful - Financial Statement Analysis taught by Dr. Giles Spungin (who has a deep and insightful knowledge of the investment banking, and delivers his knowledge in an easy to digest and interesting way), and the Asset Management course taught by Prof. Marcelo Fernandes (who invited speakers from the leading banks and financial institutions to almost every lecture, which made the course very informative).
Finally, I would like to thank you for adding several un-graded modules to our programme, especially the US Option Trading course taught by Gerry Perez. Not only Mr. Perez is a very experienced City professional but also a great motivator, who helped me to believe in myself.
I am very proud to be a graduate of this school.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2006
Rosita studied MSc Investment and Finance (2005-2006) and is now working in HSBC ranked as Assistant Structured Products Manager
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
Location and reputation. As a member of University of London, Queen Mary locates in central London, which allows students to access the most updated information and many opportunities. It’s been well known that Queen Mary students have been keeping competitive in job hunting and career development. My course, MSc Investment and Finance, combined the academic knowledge and practical use together; the career office offered useful suggestions to sharp interview skills and cultivate professional capacities.
How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for your chosen career?
After the first Semester, my brilliant lecturer, Dr. Ron Giles, brought the class to a field trip to Bloomberg. The exciting and knowledgeable experience drove my attention and stimulated my enthusiasm to the company. My application for Bloomberg has been admitted with the strong support from Dr. Ron Giles and suggestions from the career office. Other teachers in my department also actively provided job opportunities to the whole class when I was there. Everyone of us appreciated our teachers very much.
What ‘transferable skills’ did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
This MSc course has enriched my Economic and Finance knowledge and deepen my understanding of the financial markets. The solid platform built from my course has contributed a lot in my career development.
What are you hoping to do, career-wise, in the next five years?
I hope I can be in the management level in the next five years.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
One of the main reasons I decided to go to Queen Mary was because of its diverse culture amongst students. The amount of different-cultured people I have met throughout my time at Queen Mary has been immaculate. Being only moments away from the capital’s Centre, what better university to be at? Another important aspect as to why I decided to choose Queen Mary was down to the fact that it was one of the few, if not the only University in London, that has a proper student campus, making it easier to adapt to especially for first time students in London.
How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for your chosen career?
I feel that an MSc in Investment and Finance has proven to be a valuable asset to have on anyone’s CV. Covering a range of modules from theoretical ones like Behavioural Finance and Commercial and Investment Banking, to highly numerical ones like Quantitative Techniques and Financial Derivatives has given me a vital insight to what a career in Finance will be like. Also, the fact that a few modules like Business Finance were actually taught by someone who currently works in the Industry has taught me what to expect from such a career, and has motivated me to excel even further.
What ‘transferable skills’ did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
A number of transferrable skills were gained from my time at Queen Mary. The fact that courses such as E-Views were offered, provides any student with a great understanding in statistical analysis. By working on my dissertation and using other software, I have also further improved my research and analytical skills that I believe will be highly valued in any work environment.
What are you hoping to do, career-wise, in the next five years?
Within the next five years I hope to have gained all the necessary work experience needed to accommodate my theoretical knowledge of Finance. Aiming to be working as a Data Analyst in Finance, I believe that an MSc in Investment and Finance from such a high-standard University such as Queen Mary will secure me such a position. Queen Mary has expanded my knowledge horizon and I would recommend this course to anyone who is hard working and has motivation to succeed.
Course: MSc Economics
"Queen Mary's School of Economics and Finance is considered to be one of the best in the UK."
Queen Mary's School of Economics and Finance is considered to be one of the best in the UK. I was working at the Economics Research Sector at the Central Bank of Egypt after graduating from the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University. I decided to go back to study to improve my career opportunities.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
The university provides high-quality research facilities and a good academic environment through access to electronic journals, recent papers and data sources. My professors were very supportive and understanding, as was the administrative staff. The social network in Queen Mary is also very good, with many events organised by the students' union. It makes it easy to meet people from different countries, cultures and backgrounds.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
Currently, I am enrolled at the PhD programme in the School of Economics and Finance of Queen Mary. It is beneficial in terms of my career and personal development to obtain this degree from the UK. My plan is to finish the programme, and participate effectively in economic studies at the Central Bank of Egypt.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
"I chose Queen Mary because of the unique course structure and excellent computing facilities for applied economics."
When I finished my studies in Poland I decided to pursue a second MSc degree to equip myself with the necessary analytical and research skills in the area of finance. I chose Queen Mary because of the unique course structure and excellent computing facilities for applied economics. On the top of this was the fact that the School of Economics and Finance was awarded a rating of 5 in the RAE and consists of both academics and City professionals.
In the beginning, the course appeared to be tough and challenging, but the experience, support and stimulating nature of the professors, along with excellent student services and on-the-spot guidance, made it simple but demanding. The library is excellent and is full of up-to-date knowledge, with books, journals, papers and the inter-library loans facility being the key players. The assessment system was very effective, which included group assignments, presentations, research and final papers. I found interesting, in a professional capacity, to associate with other like-minded students from a range of backgrounds.
After a year of postgraduate training in Finance and Investment I was ready for something that would not only build upon my theoretical knowledge but also provide me with practical, real world exposure. I am now working as Finance and Research Manager at UCL. I was offered this job within couple of weeks of completing my MSc. The job itself has certainly been a positive reward after obtaining my MSc.
The opportunity to do the course at Queen Mary was an amazing and satisfying experience for me, and when I look back I know I could not have missed. I am immensely proud to say that I graduated with something more than a certificate.
Course: MSc Finance & Economics
Graduation year: 2011
"I chose Queen Mary because the Economics there is very strong and School of Economics and Finance is considered to be one of the best in the UK."
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
My aim was to work in the banking sector, so to build upon my Bachelor's in Economics, I decided to undertake an MSc in Finance and Economics. I chose Queen Mary because the Economics there is very strong and School of Economics and Finance is considered to be one of the best in the UK. I was impressed by achievements of our researchers they came 6th in the country. Another important factor in choosing the School of Economics and Finance at QMUL was that I did my BSc in Economics there, and had lots of positive experiences in the School: teaching quality was very high, I met lots of nice people, and also whole department was very supportive.
What did you gain from your time at Queen May?
During my time at Queen Mary, I learned how to work hard and under pressure, how to deal with strict deadlines and how to work with in a group. But my main gain from studying at QMUL is that I start thinking as a financial economist.
What are you plans after graduation?
I have a job with Barclays.
I would like to thank George Makedonis and Denise Hawkes for giving me fundamentals in IFC and guiding me to choose Economics. Also I am very grateful to my department for being so supportive for 4 years. Special thanks to Head of the department George Kapetanios and my adviser, Andrea Carriero for supporting me during my MSc.
Many thanks, to my parents for giving me an opportunity to study in UK.
Course: MSc Investment & Finance
Graduation year: 2008
Interview with Karim Boudjelal who studied MSc in Finance and Investment at Queen Mary and now works for Deutsche Bank in London.
Salary Bracket: £45-50,000 + bonus
Why did you choose the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary for your postgraduate study?
After having studied Economics in the University of Toulouse 1, I decided to come to London to obtain an MSc Investment and Finance. Why would a French person come to London to study finance? You all may know the City of London is at the heart of the world’s financial markets. Therefore, I knew that obtaining an MSc in Finance and Investment in a leading UK University would grant me an added benefit in settling down in the professional world. I chose Queen Mary University of London after researching widely on Universities in the UK and establishing that the School of Economics and Finance at QMUL was renowned for its excellent research work.
What did you gain from your time at the School of Economics and Finance?
The fact that it is a 5 star rated institution helps me to realize that I was taking the good decision. My introduction with the program and with the teaching staff proves me right. The School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary University of London offers you a range of courses taught by well-qualified professionals, who will help you to get the best experience from your time in London. Moreover the structure of the MSc, a mix of revision classes, tutorials, and guest speakers keeps the course intense and will help you to achieve the best results. On a personal point of view, I enjoyed the warm welcome provided by the staff (workshop and events) which helps to meet others student from all over the world. This has enriched my experience even more. As a foreigner I was also very pleased by the English course offered for free by QMUL which helps me become more confident. The University is also well equipped with excellent modern facilities, especially the Gym. Everything is done to help you feel at home.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
Having completed my studies, I am now staying in London as I am currently working for one of the leading investment banks in the world, Deutsche Bank and I definitively think that studying for the MSc in Finance and Investment at QMUL prepared me more than adequately for the encounter with the corporate world awaiting.
Course: MSc Finance & Economics
Graduation year: 2008
"The quality of teaching was excellent, with lecturers often demystifying what I otherwise found to be formidable theory."
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
I happened to see the former School Head, Professor Jonathan Haskel, debate UK innovation policy at an event in 2006. I was very impressed by the quality of Professor Haskel's arguments, and also discovered that he was leading cutting-edge research on quantifying intangible investment in the UK on behalf of the British government. This led me to research the taught postgraduate degrees offered by Queen Mary's School of Economics and Finance.
What did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
A year on, I can honestly say that the degree struck the right balance of rigorous theoretical training with practical application. I particularly enjoyed the time series-related courses, which have clear real-life applicability in both economics and finance. Students were heavily encouraged to practise textbook principles using the on-campus Eviews econometrics package, which certainly helped me in better understanding the key concepts. Along with developing my technical abilities, I honed soft skills through assessed group work and presentations, which are very important skills in any job. The quality of teaching was excellent, with lecturers often demystifying what I otherwise found to be formidable theory. And the staff were happy to take the time to go over any problems I had in grasping the material, often outside of normal office hours. Overall, I would definitely recommend the School to potential postgraduate students.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
I am considering some job offers in the Banking sector in London.