Lavita
Fernandes

Job Title: Financial Administrative Assistant
Company Name: CDG Financial Services, United Kingdom

What route did you take into postgraduate study?

I came directly from undergraduate study where I completed my Bachelor of Commerce at Mangalore University in India.

What were your reasons for studying a master’s degree and why did you choose NBS?

It was really about developing a depth of knowledge in the management and finance industries, the scholarship options available and the fantastic opportunity to do a one-year work placement. All of these were offered to me by NBS.

Describe what your seminars were like and how they differed from your undergraduate experience?

They were packed with case studies, presentations and debates which helped me a lot to gain finance and management specific knowledge whilst also building my soft skills.

What are the key skills you developed studying at NBS?

I would have to say my self-confidence and belief, my presentation skills and also my academic writing ability. My NBS experience has really built my confidence and the range of activities/events NBS runs contributed to developing my professional, academic and soft skills. I really think that my profile is more competitive in the global job market.

What sets NBS apart from other business schools?

Its commitment towards its students, especially around making them feel welcome, comfortable and ensuring they are progressing throughout the year.

What clubs, societies or other activities were you involved in at Nottingham Trent University?

I was involved in the Thinkubator Challenge which is something unique run by NBS. Here, I was part of a multi-cultural team and had to develop a business plan tailored to a local business. The company set us a brief to increase their sales of weight loss and beauty products, which we reported back to the business owner at the end of the project.

How did you found moving to and living in Nottingham?

Personally, my decision to study in the UK was the best decision ever. Both Nottingham and NBS taught me so much and I made so many great memories with my lecturers and friends that I will cherish forever.

As a non-native English speaker from India, my English also improved a lot. I would also say that I am starting to develop a local Nottingham accent!

Lavita’s one-year UK work placement

What made you decide to choose the two-year option with placement?

I had no work experience back in India before joining NBS. I believed that gaining industrial experience in United Kingdom would really be valuable and set me apart from the crowd when coming to secure a graduate job in my desired field or company.

How did you find the process of applying for a placement? How many applications did you complete?

I found the process of applying quite simple and straight forward. I applied for 6 different companies.

Did you have to undertake an interview for your placement? If so what type of interview?

Yes, I undertook an interview for my placement. It was a formal interview with the company’s manager who asked me several questions about my future plans. NTU’s Employability Team helped me to prepare by doing a mock interview with me.

When did you start applying for a placement and how long until you got a job offer?

In November 2016 (so a month after joining NBS) and the whole process took 6 months.

Where did you get the information about placements?

NTU hosted Graduate and Placement Fairs in October 2016 and March 2017. During the fairs, company representatives came to let us know about the vacancies in their businesses.

Where did you do your placement? What was your job title and main responsibilities?

I secured a placement at CDG Financial Services LTD. My job role was as an Assistant Financial Administrator. I was responsible for the entire administration duties related to the financial services provided at CDG, such as mortgages, pension funds etc.

Finally, how would you describe your experience of studying a master’s degree at NBS?

The best decision of my life is that I chose to study a master’s degree at Nottingham Business School. I would definitely recommend NBS to prospective students.