Student profiles
After studying 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: BSc Economics
Graduation year: 2012
"I chose to study Economics at Queen Mary because of its acclaimed reputation, particularly for its research."
Why did you choose the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary for your Undergraduate study?
I chose to study Economics at an undergraduate level at Queen Mary because of its acclaimed reputation, particularly for its research. I knew I wanted a University of London degree and once I visited the campus, I realised that the people were also extremely friendly and welcoming, perhaps reflective of Queen Mary's high ranking on the National Student Survey 2011.
What did you gain from your time at the School of Economics and Finance?
During my time at Queen Mary, particularly on this course, I have primarily learnt how to be organised and time-manage effectively. Studying for 8 different modules in the build-up to exam period requires a lot of motivation as well as a structured timetable. On the course and outside the course, I have met many unique and friendly people that I am sure I will keep in touch with even after university.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
I will be working for KPMG at their Canary Wharf office in London in Advisory Risk Consulting - Financial Services. I believe this will provide me with insight and exposure into the business world and will also provide me a platform to eventually obtain an MBA. I hope to eventually be a manager or even a partner of the firm one day!
Course: BSc Economics
Graduation year: 2013
"The staff and teachers are approachable and easy to communicate with."
One of the main reasons why I choose the School of Economics and Finance at Queen Mary to pursue my undergraduate studies is for the fact that it has the best campus in the whole of London. In terms of location, the School is really close to the hub of financial world in Canary Wharf and central London. I wanted to go to a university where I could get the campus feel and at the same time I wanted to stay in London. Queen Mary has got the biggest campus in London and this helped me finalise my university choice. The School of Economics and Finance is located in the main Queens building which gives a prestigious feel to its students.
My time at the School of Economics and Finance has increased my knowledge in all terms. The events held, and the warmth of the department, have made me a more confident person today. The staff and teachers are so approachable and easy to communicate with; in fact they are more like your friends. The way Economics is taught at Queen Mary is exceptionally good; a challenging discipline is made easy thanks to the efforts of all staff members of the School of Economics and Finance.
In the next five years I see my self working for a well reputed financial firm. Specifically, being part of a successful sales team at an investment bank that plays a substantial role in the banking industry.
Course: BSc Economics & Politics
"The lecturers and tutors are really friendly, and it’s great having the opportunity to join in with extra curricular activities."
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I chose Queen Mary after having visited the campus and local area on numerous occasions over the previous 3 years, as my sister is studying Medicine here. I also thought it would be a good idea to base myself in London, with an eye towards future job prospects. Being situated between Canary Wharf and The City makes Queen Mary very appealing. I also liked the idea of being part of a campus university. Its situation close to Central London is a big attraction, although the campus is just far enough away to make you feel that you’re not always in the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
You took a gap year prior to joining us; what experiences did this allow you to gain and would you recommend it to other students?
The gap year I took was a fantastic experience and one I would be keen to repeat at a later stage of my life. After working for 7 months, I went with 3 friends on a trip that lasted 4 months, although looking back it felt a lot shorter than this. I would recommend it to anyone. It lets you, albeit briefly, see and experience other cultures. To do it justice you need to be able to get your hands dirty and experience the living conditions in different countries, which are sometimes far from the luxurious. You certainly get to experience other things you ordinarily wouldn’t back in Britain, like scuba diving on the barrier reef, sky diving over glaciers, coming face-to-face with wildlife like dingoes, sharks and bears and on one memorable occasion canoeing through a canyon with rabid monkeys climbing all over your boat trying to steal your fresh water! The trip pushed me out of my comfort zone especially when we were amongst the Thai protests of March 2010, but I now look back at the photos I took and I only have fond memories of my travels. It really makes you grow as an individual, taking you out of the comfortable bubble of the Western World. The trip took a fair amount of organising but the skills you learn through organising and then doing something like a gap year are invaluable. Also the people I met and friends I made on the trip I will never forget. I’m sure some of you reading this will have watched the Gap Yah video on YouTube and think I might sound a little similar but it’s really hard not to once you’ve experienced it.
How have you found your time at Queen Mary so far?
To say that the start of my time at Queen Mary was plain sailing would be a lie. There were some difficult moments at times, and I think that’s always going to be the case with big changes in life. But now I’m really starting to settle in and am really enjoying myself. I’ve got a good bunch of friends now, which is great, the lecturers and tutors are really friendly, and it’s great having the opportunity to join in with extra curricular activities. I can’t wait for the next couple of years.
What have been the most interesting aspects of your course?
Doing Economics and Politics has allowed me to do two subjects I am really interested in. I like the diversity of topics within both subjects. It’s nice to be able to jump between the two and it prevents me from getting bogged down in any one area particularly because within the two topics the styles of learning are very different. I find it most interesting when the two topics overlap, for example using economic theory to describe political ideologies such as communism. It allows you to draw ideas from another area and adapt it.
What are your future career goals?
This question seems quite daunting being a first year. A lot can happen over the next few years and so I prefer to leave the door open for opportunities that might take my life in any number of directions. At present I would be keen to continue my studies through a postgraduate degree, but I am also keen to experience different parts of the world and so working in countries like: China, Singapore, India and Japan interest me, but with the present economic climate who knows.
Course: BSc Economics
"The Economics department at Queen Mary is renowned for excellent teaching"
My reasons for choosing Queen Mary were essentially threefold. Firstly the location of the university is perfect: it's set in the heart of East London, and with views of the City and Canary Wharf I get daily reminders of my gap year, but also it puts those early morning walks to lectures into perspective! For me it definitely helps knowing that what I’m working for now will help my career in the long run.
Secondly the Economics department at Queen Mary is renowned for excellent teaching, in fact it is currently ranked as the best Economics department in London for students.
Lastly, I wanted to experience the campus environment but still be in London, which Queen Mary was able to offer me.
Since being at university I can only testify that all of my expectations have been exceeded. Not only is the teaching creative and engaging, but the lecturers are approachable and extremely helpful if you ever have any issues. Further to this there is a wealth of information available to you if you should need it; examples include the recently refurbished library and the excellent careers events that frequently involve guest speakers and networking events.
In summary my experience of Queen Mary so far couldn’t have gone better; there is a very strong community within the department that makes it easy to settle into university life quickly. As a course representative for Economics I can attest to the opportunities to get involved within the department and provide your opinion about your course.
Course: BSc Economics
"I find the course extremely challenging and thought-provoking whilst remaining thoroughly enjoyable."
Having lived in East London my whole life, I visited Queen Mary during a summer school programme whilst I was still in secondary school. There I discovered that not only does Queen Mary have an excellent reputation, but the whole atmosphere of the university (especially the staff and students that I met) was so friendly. In addition, the location of Queen Mary is perfect, especially for an Economics student, because it is so closely linked to the City. There is so much diversity at Queen Mary that is a perfect place for enrichment, not only academically but also culturally and socially too.
I find the course extremely challenging and thought-provoking whilst remaining thoroughly enjoyable. I love how different the courses are individually, but also how they are all intertwined. The course is helping me to look at things from a different angle and analyse situations as an economist would. Furthermore, I was surprised when I learned just how much support the School of Economics and Finance gives you, and how friendly the lecturers and tutors are: all are willing to help you in every way possible. I am so glad I chose to study Economics at Queen Mary!
Course: BSc Economics
"The Economics department at Queen Mary gives its students a lot of support and opportunities when it comes to striving towards your chosen career path."
When deciding which universities I wanted to apply for I always knew I wanted to be in London. Queen Mary's location in the East End of London, in a campus setting, has allowed me to experience the variety of what London has to offer, but also the feeling of a community. In Economics so far I have learnt a lot through group-based work, stimulating lectures and helpful classes. I can now debate current economic developments with my peers and tutors with confidence. My particular interest in Economics lies in microeconomics which analyses how individuals make decisions based on their constraints. At Queen Mary, I've been able to develop my knowledge in this field through our lecturers but also from my peers at our reading club.
Being the 1st Year Representative and one of four Economics Course Reps for the Student Union has allowed me to really get involved with what happens in the School of Economics and Finance. Through this I can really see that the academic staff here are serious about providing Economics students with an enjoyable and supportive environment. The lecturers and tutors are very welcoming; I’ve never felt that I couldn’t approach them with any issue or suggestion. Also, the Economics department at Queen Mary gives its students a lot of support and opportunities when it comes to striving towards your chosen career path. This is something I especially enjoy.
My best advice to prospective students is when you visit the campus, talk to people, talk to tutors, lecturers and students who are doing the course you're interested in and make sure you get your questions answered.
Course: BSc Economics
Graduation year: 2008
Interview with Shamil De Dodwell who studied BSc Economics and is now an Analyst with Morgan Stanley, working in Fixed Income Product Control, after doing an internship there in his second year.
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
I chose Queen Mary as it is a College with a rich tradition and is one of the established colleges of the University of London. A degree from the University of London is instantly recognisable all over the world and I knew Queen Mary would offer me the right blend of challenges.
How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for your chosen career?
Meeting deadlines at university taught me the importance of an organised approach to my work and I have carried this through to investment banking where we are always under pressure to meet deadlines and balance work and social life. The group coursework exercises at university also taught me the importance of teamwork and this is a skill that is crucial in this industry.
What ‘transferable skills’ did you gain from your time at Queen Mary?
The computing skills I picked up on degree have proved invaluable. A good grasp of Excel, Access and Powerpoint will always help you in any role in the city. The learning curve here has been very steep but you are always learning something new so there is never a dull moment.
What are you hoping to do, career-wise, in the next five years?
Hopefully a transfer to New York, Sydney or Singapore! Morgan Stanley encourages the analysts to move around the firm and to their offices abroad so I hope to be facing a new challenge in a new team in the New Year. I also hope to have completed a further qualification such as the CFA or CIMA in the next five years.
Course: BSc Economics
I chose Queen Mary for its excellent reputation. I was impressed with the College’s record for academic excellence and the lively social atmosphere.
I am currently studying BSc Economics and I’ve found that the course is challenging but very enjoyable. The timetable is flexible and it enables me to make the most of my time at university.
The teaching staff are all extremely friendly and approachable, plus they are experts in their field. I like the fact that advisers are allocated to each student to discuss any problems we may have.
Course: BSc Economics
I chose to study at Queen Mary because it has a reputation for great research and it's a very stimulating place to study. The people are wonderful and lecturers are renowned for their excellent teaching styles.
I'm currently studying for a BSc in Economics. At the start the course seemed quite challenging, however that is why so many employers find it attractive. Students that take on this course will definitely gain a broad understanding of the economic factors that drive our world. The support in the School is incredible and its whole structure creates the best learning environment making it easier for students to undertake such a degree.
Course: BSc Economics, Finance & Management
"Queen Mary’s collaboration with the University of London certainly enhances its image in the job market."
Current job title and company
Assistant Manager, Reorganisation Services Tax, Deloitte LLP
What did you study at Queen Mary and what year did you graduate?
BSc Economics, Finance & Management
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
As an international student I found QM to offer great teaching for a reasonable tuition fee. Queen Mary’s collaboration with the University of London certainly enhances its image in the job market.
How did you find out about your current job?
Queen Mary’s Careers Service email.
How did your time at Queen Mary prepare you for work?
Some courses required students to prepare professional presentations (especially Macroeconomics and Investment Appraisal modules) and deliver them to a wider audience. These skills proved to be very important at my workplace.
What is your salary bracket?
£35-45k
Did you encounter any difficulties securing this job, and how did you get over them?
The greatest challenge was to get through the initial application screening stages in order to secure an interview. Your job application has to clearly stand out from the rest of the crowd.
What does your current job involve day-to-day?
• Tax efficient planning and reorganisation of financially distressed businesses.
• Tax compliance and tax audit of large multinationals.
• Providing advice on tax risk minimisation strategies
• Assisting clients’ with their future expansion plans etc.
What are your most and least favourite aspects of your job?
Best aspect: Working in a team of exceptionally talented and intelligent people
Worst aspect: Your career at Deloitte is crucially dependent on your successful completion of all ACA exams to secure the Chartered Accountancy qualification with ICAEW.
What can current students do to prepare for getting a job in your area?
Visit an open day of an employer BEFORE applying for a job there. You will have a much better understanding of the job role you are applying to! It will also help you convince your potential employer as to the reasons why you want to work for them – a common question that weaker candidates fail to tackle with confidence.
Course: BSc Economics
"The course is flexible and puts you in charge of where you would like to specialise, as well as give you a world renowned education and in depth skills needed for a successful career."
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
I always wanted to study in London and Queen Mary offered an excellent choice of courses as well as a campus style experience right here in the heart of the City.
What are you studying?
I’m starting my third undergraduate year of Economics.
What are the best things about the course and the college?
The course is flexible and puts you in charge of where you would like to specialise, as well as give you a world renowned education and in depth skills needed for a successful career.
How would you rate Queen Mary in terms of teaching excellence, innovation and academic and study facilities?
Teaching excellence is arguably better than the top names in UK universities. The staff is incredibly helpful and academic and studies facilities are superb. There is never any shortage of workstations which are dotted all around the university, and the online student services are comprehensive and easy to use.
How would rate Queen Mary and the East End in terms of social, leisure and recreational facilities?
The social life at Queen Mary is great with Drapers putting up some sensational nights especially around holiday season and freshers weeks. The Student Union also hosts memorable and incredible nights such as Pressure Cooker at Fabric and Milkshake at Ministry of Sound. The East End has traditionally been a cultural and artistic hub of London, and is ethnically diverse. Mile End park sees many Queen Mary students on bright sunny days, and Whitechapel just down the road has a wide range of cuisine to offer for when you’re hungry.
What’s your favourite place on campus?
My personal hangout place of choice has to be The Hive. It is newly refurbished with comfy sofas and computers, and there are no restrictions on talking to your mates like in the library. They’ve also recently put in vending machines in the Hive so I never have to leave!
What extra-curricular activities do you participate in, and how do you feel about them?
I have been involved with the Queen Mary Economics Society and I also participate in the staff vs students fortnightly football match. Being part of the Economics Society puts me at the forefront of organising and holding extra-curricular events and activities for other students which I enjoy very much. The staff vs student football league has been a great success and developed a relationship between lecturers and students that in turn encourages better academic performance and more help from tutors and lecturers for when you’re stuck.
What’s the most interesting thing you’ve done on your course?
Economics might have been referred to as the ‘dismal science’ but I assure you there are some very interesting aspects to it! One that springs to mind is the application of Game theory to competition economics. With the right tools, one can use game theory to strategically predict the outcome that best suits their own goal and minimise the chances of a competitor winning.
If you had to describe a typical Queen Mary student, who would he/ she be?
A typical Queen Mary student is charming, open-minded and confident person who is approachable and enthusiastic about what they wish to achieve. Many students at Queen Mary come from diverse ethical backgrounds and have healthy, active and multicultural social circles. That I believe is pretty unique about our student body.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive on campus every day?
To be honest I am usually sprinting in the general direction of where I was meant to be 5 minutes ago... Just kidding! First thing I do is head towards Ground coffee shop and buy a delicious hot chocolate. Ground has a great atmosphere and is a good morning place to charge your batteries at I reckon.
Share one of your favourite memories of your time at Queen Mary
One of my favourite memories at Queen Mary has to be Drapers’ End of Year Party of 2009. The party was absolutely top notch and the music was spot on. I can never forget the awesome time I had that night with some of my best friends. All I can say is, more than a handful of people needed a hand getting back home when the party ended...
Course: BSc Economics
Graduation year: 2010
"Studying at QMUL was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, both academically and socially."
Why did you choose Queen Mary?
I joined Queen Mary University in 2007 due to its reputation as a leading institute for Economics within the University of London. As the university is located in close proximity of London's economic hubs, Canary Wharf and Liverpool Street, it boasts strong ties with the financial sector and is perfectly located to experience the cities vibrancy. Additionally, the atmosphere on campus was always lively and I particularly cherished meeting new people with variety of cultural heritages from all around the globe.
What did you gain from your time at the School of Economics and Finance?
Studying at QMUL was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life, both academically and socially. Through studying Economics, I developed a solid understanding of international financial markets and enhanced my outlook of the macro economy - something that I found to be pivotal considering the current climate. Furthermore, as an economist, the ability to infer data and forecast information became second nature, traits which employers deem invaluable.
What are your career plans in the next five years?
Of course university life was not just about work, personally I wanted to make the most of my time at such a prestigious university and was fortunate enough to elected President of the Economics society. I captained Team Alpha, the Economics department's football champions. Overall, these experiences facilitated in developing my character and I found myself to become a more confident individual reflecting positively upon my academic performance. Within the next five years, I hope to be a fully qualified chartered accountant with a medium sized firm specialising in forensic accountancy.
Course: BSc Finance and Management
"The courses [were] interesting and enjoyable, especially when we worked on group projects, which give you the chance to meet a diverse number of people from different backgrounds."
Why did you choose to study at Queen Mary?
Studying Economics, Finance and Management has given me the opportunity to explore how the economy is portrayed from a number of different perspectives. I have found the course very enjoyable and the modules learned have been related to the real life experiences which I will face in the future.
I feel Queen Mary was the best choice for me as it has the crucial links to the local financial sector which will help me secure a job after I graduate. The student life at Queen Mary was also an attraction due to the fact that central London is close by which makes student events easily accessible.
You are now in the third year, is there anything in particular that you have enjoyed during your time here? Have you noticed many changes?
I liked the fact that lecturers alternated their assessment criteria when judging how well we know the different topics. This kept the courses interesting and enjoyable, especially when we worked on group projects, which give you the chance to meet a diverse number of people from different backgrounds.
Physically, the School of Economics and Finance has been completely refurbished which gives the place a fresher look and provides a great learning environment. The School has given more and more advice on what to do after your degree and has started to make us commercially aware by providing the Financial Times every day.
As a Student Helper you are an important part of the School. What does that role involve?
I have been given the responsibility to act as a mentor for a group of twenty undergraduates, helping them to settle into the School and finding solutions for any issues which they encounter. From my feedback, this gives students a sense of security where a fellow student like me will be able to help more effectively than an advisor.
I will also be giving presentations promoting economics at Queen Mary to prospective students at schools around London. This will increase the awareness of how good the School is and provide us with a pool of students from which we can sustain the high standards which are demanded.
What are you plans after graduation?
I have particularly enjoyed the accounting modules which I have studied in my three year tenure. This has increased my interest in studying for an ACA qualification which is going to be a very challenging three to five years for me.
Studying Economics, Finance and Management has broadened my knowledge about the different areas I can work in finance, which opens up a lot more opportunities for me if I happen to change my mind later on. Thanks to Queen Mary this has all been possible.