Katherine
Fagg

What made you choose to study at NTU?  

“I applied through clearing following a year of work and didn’t have the best grades. Despite this NTU offered flexible degree options and excellent resources and opportunities other universities did not, for example study abroad and professional accreditation. I was drawn towards the modern and dynamic feel of the university I got from pictures and the website and was inspired by the list of leading companies NTU Alumni had gone to work for after graduating from the Economics course. I knew by word-of-mouth the Students’ Union was amazing and this also played a part in me wanting to come to NTU – there would lots of fun to go along with all the work!”

What were the key features that attracted you to your course?

“NTU was consistent in its rankings for studying Economics in the UK across all major University ranking tables and offered varied content that I knew would help me decide what career I wanted to pursue. The course was also flexible with placements, study abroad etc. which meant I could personalise my academic experience – great when you are unsure of what you want to do after University.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“The contact hours are perfect for learning enough content but also being able to go out and do social things and study independently. I also enjoy seminars because they really help with understanding content. The course staff are all so supportive too – I feel like a real member of the NBS and NTU.”

What do you think about the facilities available to you?:

“The facilities at NTU, specifically NBS are incredible. Firstly, the Link Lounge in Newton is so good to get work done in before seminars and the Trading rooms with Bloomberg are fun to have a go with and helpful on the course. The seminar rooms are all so modern and the computers are always quick. More generally, the library is so easy to use and there are so many extra spaces around campus with computers – I can always get work done when I don’t have my laptop. The Employability Team based in Newton has been invaluable in getting my CV and applications up to scratch for applying to placements.”

What do you like about studying and living in Nottingham?

“There are so many shops, bars and clubs – there is always somewhere new to explore. The transport links are excellent too and great value for money for students in my opinion. Because there are so many students living in such a small vicinity there is an amazing student atmosphere which I never experienced at when I visited other city universities.”

Why would you recommend your course / NTU to someone looking to study in that area?

“There are so many opportunities available academically and socially within NTU, NBS and the SU, there are literally opportunities to suit everyone. It is such a dynamic university with a great atmosphere and interesting staff and students who all seem to come together to support each other in everything. Help is always on hand and specifically for Economics, the staff are so well informed about the content but also the relevance of the content in today’s world which has really helped me draw on examples for interviews and applications.”

What work experience/placement have you completed? – Where you went and what you did?

“I spent two weeks as an Intern at a Financial Advisory firm after Christmas in first year. I learnt a lot about regulatory framework and advising clients on mortgage and insurance policies and attended a networking event for local businesses at The Hawthorns, West Bromwich.”

How will your course and/or placement enhance your employability for your chosen career? What skills have you gained?

“I started doing BA Economics but switched to BA Economics with International Finance and Banking when I realised I wanted a career in finance or consulting. Being able to specialise my degree by doing specific modules has definitely improved my employability in those sectors. My placement in first year means I can draw on experiences in future interviews and applications. It also kick-started my commercial awareness, collaborative skills and desire to learn more about the financial industry in general.”

What opportunities have you had as a result of studying with NBS? How have these activities contributed to your university experience?

“In first year I was a Course Representative for Economics, took part in the SMART and Creative Cities Challenge in partnership with Nottingham City Council and studied Strategic Management in Mexico for two weeks. As a second year student I have had a part-time role printing student cards during Freshers’ Week and am currently President of the Economics Society and a CERT Mentor, supporting first years in their transition to university. My University experience has been made not just by my degree but by the other opportunities available to me at NTU.”