Ana
Yovanova

What inspired you to choose NBS and this course?

Having completed my Bachelors degree in Business Management and Economics at Nottingham Business School, I already had a very positive experience of studying at NBS. I was happy with the quality of teaching, the support available, and the overall student experience, so continuing my postgraduate studies here felt like a natural next step.

I was also fortunate to secure the Postgraduate Masters Scholarship Award. This made the opportunity even more meaningful and gave me extra motivation to continue developing myself academically and professionally at NBS.

I chose MSc Finance specifically because I wanted to focus my career within financial services. During my undergraduate degree, I completed a short internship at a Pan-European bank. That experience gave me valuable exposure to the finance industry and helped me realise that this was the area I wanted to pursue further.

The MSc Finance course appealed to me because it offered modules that matched my interests and were directly relevant to my future career goals. I felt that the programme would help me deepen my financial knowledge while also developing the practical and technical skills needed to succeed in the industry.

What were you doing before starting the course, and why did you decide to pursue a postgraduate qualification?

Before starting the course, I was completing my undergraduate degree at Nottingham Business School. After graduation, I found it challenging to secure a graduate role in my preferred area, particularly because the UK graduate job market is very competitive in certain sectors.

Rather than seeing this as a setback, I saw postgraduate study as an opportunity to strengthen my profile, broaden my knowledge of finance, and gain a qualification that could support my long-term career progression. I wanted to build on what I had already learned during my undergraduate degree and develop a more specialised understanding of finance.

Pursuing a postgraduate qualification also felt like an important step towards preparing myself for higher-level roles in the future. I wanted to become more confident in my technical knowledge, improve my employability, and put myself in a stronger position when applying for roles within financial services.

What have been the most enjoyable or valuable aspects of the course so far, and why?

One of the most enjoyable and valuable aspects of the course has been the opportunity to apply knowledge in a practical way. Throughout the year, I have worked on projects, prepared presentations, and completed assessments that reflect the kind of tasks I may face as a finance professional or consultant.

I have particularly enjoyed working with others, developing presentations, and completing different types of assessment tasks. These experiences have helped me improve important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and independent working. They have also encouraged me to adapt to different challenges and think more critically about real-world financial issues.

What I especially appreciate about NTU is that the focus is not only on gaining theoretical or academic knowledge; the course also places strong emphasis on developing technical and professional skills that are relevant to future careers. This balance between academic learning and practical application has made the course very valuable for me.

What support have you found most helpful during your studies?

There have been many opportunities for professional development throughout the course. I have found the CPD opportunities, networking events, industry insight sessions, guest lectures, Business Leaders Lectures, and Personal Development Week particularly helpful.

The employability workshops during term one were especially valuable when preparing for graduate job and placement applications. These sessions helped me improve my CV and cover letters, explore different career opportunities, and understand how to approach the hidden job market. They also supported me in preparing for interviews and assessment centres, which are important parts of the graduate recruitment process.

I have found this support very useful because it helped me feel more prepared and confident when applying for roles. It also encouraged me to think more strategically about my career development and the steps I need to take to achieve my goals.

How would you describe your experience of the postgraduate community at NBS?

I would describe the postgraduate community at NBS as supportive, professional, and career-focused. There is a strong emphasis on helping students prepare for their future careers, and this is reflected in the wide range of employability events, workshops, and support sessions available throughout the year.

The employability team provides a lot of support with preparing for interviews, assessment centres, applications, and career planning. There are also career fairs in both autumn and spring, which give students the opportunity to meet employers in person, explore different career paths, network with recruiters, and learn more about available opportunities.

Being part of the postgraduate community has helped me feel more connected and supported. It has also encouraged me to make the most of the opportunities available and take a proactive approach to my professional development.

Have you taken part in any projects, work placements, extra‑curricular activities or experiential learning opportunities?

I am currently a course representative for MSc Finance, which has been a valuable experience. This role has allowed me to develop my communication, leadership and problem-solving skills. It has also given me the opportunity to represent student views and contribute to positive changes within the course.

I have also joined the Investment Society, which has allowed me to gain further insights into finance and the financial industry. In addition, I have attended several Business Leaders Lectures, which I found very inspiring. Some of the speakers were NTU alumni, and it was motivating to hear about their career journeys and see how successful they have become after studying at NTU.

These experiences have helped me build confidence, expand my network, and gain a better understanding of the different career paths available within finance.

How has the course helped prepare you for your future career or next steps?

The course has helped me develop both the soft and technical skills that are important for a career in finance. Through group work, presentations, projects and practical assessments, I have had the opportunity to improve my communication, teamwork, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

It has also helped me become more confident in applying financial concepts to real-world situations. This has been particularly useful because it has shown me how academic knowledge can be applied in professional contexts.

In addition to the academic side of the course, the mandatory employability sessions have been very helpful in preparing me for the graduate recruitment process. These sessions supported me with CV preparation, cover letters, interviews, assessment centres, and understanding how to approach applications more effectively.

I am pleased to have secured an offer for a graduate role at one of the Big Four, and I feel that the MSc Finance has helped me strengthen my knowledge, improve my employability, and develop skills that I will be able to apply in my future career.

What advice would you give to someone considering this course at NBS?

My advice to anyone considering MSc Finance at NBS would be to make the most of every opportunity available throughout the year to grow both academically and professionally. The course is not just about graduating with a degree and a final grade. It is also an opportunity to build your network, gain industry insights, develop professional skills, and explore different areas of finance.

I would encourage future students to keep track of events, attend networking sessions, join societies, take part in employability workshops, and engage with the support available. These opportunities can help you understand the industry better and make more informed decisions about your career.

I would also advise students to use the course as a chance to explore different areas of finance and identify what interests them most, whether that is risk management, corporate finance, accounting, trading and investments, or another specialism. Finding a niche area of interest can help you become more focused and confident when planning your future career.