Kieron
Bentley

What made you choose to study at NTU?  

“I originally chose to study at NTU due to the wide range of facilities that they have to offer i.e. Boots library- the roof top garden, the sports facilities and societies and their global lounge, as this allows you to meet a wide range of people from different countries and cultures. Furthermore, the opportunity to work and study abroad in Valencia for two years is something that not many universities offer. This is what attracted me the most to study at NTU as it gives you the chance to study in two different universities whilst receiving support from both.”

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

“I chose to study International Business with Spanish, due to the wide range of interesting modules that are on offer. Furthermore, after completing A-level Spanish, I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the Spanish language and culture. Studying this course has allowed me to improve my business Spanish and general knowledge of the Spanish language.”

What do you enjoy most about your course?

“The wide range of teaching methods are what I enjoy most about the course, incorporating the theory used in the previous lecture to reinforce our learning in the seminars via: case studies, group projects, individual presentations and problem-based learning.”

What do you think about the course staff – include lecturers, tutors, administrators and technical staff within this. How do they support your learning and University experience?

“I received fantastic support during my two years in Valencia. I received constant email support from NBS exchange, assistance from my course leader about exams overseas, and supplementary course information for my return to NTU. My course leader also visited the university of Valencia to discuss our personal and professional development.”

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

“The university’s employability team are incredibly helpful with any enquiry you may have about your future career, i.e. how to develop your CV, mock assessment centres and they can help you search for jobs suited to your degree using future hub. The employability team are the best at helping you prepare for interviews and giving you advice for your future career.”

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

“The hands-on approach from almost day one of putting into practice what we were learning whilst being supported and encouraged by highly skilled academics enabled a positive learning environment to evolve. One particular aspect of the course which I found really helpful, was the constructive feedback by peers and academics after group presentations. The feedback together with the reflective nature of the course helped me in developing better presentation methods as the course progressed.”

What work experience/placement have you completed?

“I completed a six month internship at the Guardia Civil (Spanish national guard/ Spanish national police). I worked in the finance department where I had many tasks from organising our budget for the Autonomous community of Valencia, find companies to contact and contract them for tasks that need to be completed, I was also able to travel around the community of Valencia with the police to carry out inspections of the other finance departments of the Guardia civil in the Valencian communities. Working for the Spanish police helped me develop great connections in the headquarters and allowed me to fully submerse myself into Spanish culture and a Spanish company.

Whilst studying in Valencia, I also created my own business. I was an independent language teacher, teaching Spanish children English.”

How will your course and/or placement enhance your employability for your chosen career?

“My placement has enhanced my employability for my chosen career due to the support offered by the academic mentor and the internship mentor. They both helped me further my knowledge and passion for finance, which has led me to choose my career in finance. The skills I have gained are intercultural communication skills, I have been able to understand the Spanish business culture and work in a team of internationals effectively.”

What are your plans for the future?

“I plan to hopefully study a masters at NTU and after this I want to pursue a career in finance. I know I can utilise the employability team, who can guide me to become more employable and attractive to employers in the financial sector.”