Gunter
Sprenger

Why did you choose NTU and your course?

After spending 3 fantastic years at NTU studying Business Management and Marketing, I knew that NTU was the institution I wanted to continue my academia with. What sets NTU apart from other institutions is that it is a place for everyone. My background and life experiences made it difficult for me to break into my desired field and NTU has provided me with exclusive opportunities that no other institution would have offered me. The facilities are outstanding, and the teachers really take their time during office and after office hours to really support your learning so you can become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals. After completing the first year of my undergrad, I knew that I wanted to study MSc Finance at NTU. The course is designed to equip you with all the necessary skills to make you become a well-rounded finance specialist. Besides improving my quantitative and interpersonal skills, my modules have really challenged me to think about how I can employ my expertise and make a positive impact in the world and what I can do to compel others to follow suit.

What has stood out about Nottingham Business School?

Being at the centre of Nottingham really exposes you to all the diverse features the city has to offer. Nottingham Business School’s excellent reputation coupled with its location makes it a prime destination for students not only from the UK but from all over the world. Being able to interact with people from so many different backgrounds has had a tremendous impact on how I see the world and has ignited my aspiration to work in an international context. Additionally, networking with individuals from many different countries and learning about their cultures made me aware of global issues that I hope to address to find a solution in the future. This is especially great for students with an entrepreneurial mindset, like me.

How would you rate the course facilities and why?

NTU has been crowned ‘Modern University of the Year 2023’ by the Sunday Times, which really is a testament to the continuous investment the institution makes in its facilities and teaching quality. When you first walk into Nottingham Business School you realise that it is less designed to look and feel like a university and more like a company that will enhance any business student’s productivity. The city campus overall expresses a feeling of modernness, and you will not have issues gaining access to sophisticated technologies like a Bloomberg Terminal. Rooms and study spaces are also designed to spur someone’s creativity with a lot of natural light coming in, such as in the Link Lounge or the rooftop garden at Boots Library. Furthermore, NTU designed its spaces with accessibility in mind and you should not have problems gaining access to the spaces you want. Overall, I would say that NTU’s facilities really cater to a wide demographic and that no matter what your needs are you will find the space you want to stimulate your brain to achieve whatever is on your mind.

What is your favourite thing about your course?

In a world that is becoming increasingly interconnected, it is important to keep up with trends not only in your domestic country but also in other parts of the world. The fact that my course comprises students from over 50 countries really aids this process. When studying modules, such as Global Financial Markets, and learning about monetary policy, it is interesting to see how countries differ and set their policies correspondingly to their needs. The module team is doing an excellent job of offering you perspectives from outside the UK and US (the leading global financial centres) and having peers from various countries really deepens your knowledge and understanding of contemporary global financial issues and how to potentially tackle them. My favourite thing about my course is how well-connected concepts and theories are between modules. Everything builds up on one another and succeeding in one module provides you with a strong foundation for succeeding in the next one and so forth. This makes it very beginner friendly for someone who does not come directly from a quantitative background, such as me.

Have you had the option to personalise your course? How has this benefitted your studies?

Via MySay, NTU offers students to provide feedback in various aspects regarding teaching quality. While this may not lead to immediate changes for yourself, it will have an impact on how the module will be designed for future students.

What three words would you use to describe Nottingham?

Historic, cultural, and vibrant.

How have you found Nottingham as a student city?

There is always something to do in Nottingham, whether it is experiencing the night life, or going for walks in Wollaton Park or Highfields Park. There is something for everyone.

What do you think of the support available at NTU?

My tutors have really encouraged me in pursuing postgraduate study and have guided me in the right directions to make use of resources, such as the employability team or skills sessions offered by the library.

What’s next for you after NTU?

My goal is to become a Financial Analyst in the ESG field at a multinational firm.

What made you choose to complete a postgraduate qualification?

Besides improving my employability in the finance sector and improving my quantitative skills, I really wanted to employ my expertise and make a positive impact in the world and learn what I can do to compel others to follow suit.

What made you choose to remain at NTU to complete these studies?

After spending 3 fantastic years at NTU studying Business Management and Marketing, I knew that NTU was the institution I wanted to continue my academia with. The facilities are outstanding, and the teachers really take their time during office and after office hours to really support your learning so you can become the best version of yourself and achieve your goals

What made you decide to apply for a scholarship?

When contacting the Admissions team at NTU regarding my postgraduate application, a member of the team made me aware that I should apply for a scholarship. If it was not for their encouragement, I would have never considered myself to apply for such a prestigious award.

How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded a scholarship?

I was ecstatic as this was not only a great achievement for myself and for my family, but it was also a form of validation that I am doing the right thing and tremendously increased my confidence.