Jonathan Rapson – BA (Hons) Accounting

Jonathan Rapson won the Menzies Chartered Accountants Prize for Best Accounting Student.

'I chose the University of Portsmouth after being hugely impressed with the Business School and all its modern facilities. The lecture theatres are comfortable and well equipped and there are plenty of computer areas as well as a brand new library, which is where I spent most of my time.

The thing that I will remember most are lecturers that both inspired and assisted me throughout my time at Portsmouth. Portsmouth Business School really does have excellent staff that always made themselves available whenever I needed help or advice, not just for study but also for job applications and other general matters.

The course itself always remained interesting, with a variety of units covering all aspects of business and finance which, if you are willing to work hard, will provide you with all the skills you need to enter the world of work. I have learned that I have the drive, commitment and attitude towards work that is needed if I am to achieve my goal of becoming a chartered accountant and I hope to begin my new career shortly. Certainly, winning the award for ‘Best Accounting Student’ has helped enormously in my search for a graduate role and was a very satisfying reward for all my hard work.

I would recommend Portsmouth Business School to anyone who is genuinely interested in business and finance, has the desire to do well, and is willing to work hard to get what they want.'

Amanda Fay Wolfe – BA (Hons) Accounting

'This university really stood out to me as I wanted to be by the coast and was really impressed with what they offer. Portsmouth Business School is a great place to learn as it is well organised and managed, staff are always friendly and welcoming, and support is always on hand. As a student representative in my second year I was able to get to know staff better and communicate with many more students. I have enjoyed my time at the University. There is always something to do as so many facilities are on your doorstep.

I am a fourth-year student of Accounting, having been on placement in my third year at Deloitte & Touche LLP. I worked in their London office in expatriate tax, which involved compiling information and preparing UK tax returns for other companies' employees who work in numerous countries and often have more complex income and residency positions.

I would recommend that everyone should go on placement as it provides you with invaluable insight into the working world. My placement provided me with more experience and knowledge, and the management strived to involve me in as many areas and projects as possible to enable me to get the most out of my time with them. I got to work on award-winning and important projects. My efforts during the year were recognised with an outstanding contribution award for client service.

My CV has been significantly strengthened over the past four years, and hopefully my job prospects have also been improved for after graduation. Both the course and placement benefit me in achieving my goal of becoming a chartered accountant.'

Laura Bird – BA (Hons) Accounting and Business

'I did maths and business studies at A Level and I was really good with numbers, so accounting was the obvious choice at university.

I really enjoyed the course and met people from everywhere. In year three I did a year's placement at IBM, which was good fun and gave me something to base my dissertation on. My dissertation looked at the Sarbanes Oxley Act, which was the American government's response to the big accounting frauds like Enron and Worldcom. It has been really hard work, but I learnt a lot.

The three things I will take from my time at Portsmouth are that I have learnt to work hard, I really know how to have fun and lastly, I have met friends I hope to have for life.'

Daniel Banks – BA (Hons) Finance and Business

'I like the diversification of my degree and the different areas of business we look at. It has helped me understand my strengths and weaknesses. I have used the Academic Skills Unit this year to help me reference when writing my dissertation.

My course has taught me the importance of independent study and the ability to motivate myself to achieve something. I sail every Wednesday afternoon with the sailing club. The social life of the club is great and it gives me a break from my studies.'

Oluwajoba Ajewole – BA (Hons) Accounting

'I did some accounting during my A Level Business Studies and I found it really easy. I suppose most people think accountancy is boring, but not me. The subject is really interesting and offers great career prospects. You can work anywhere and for any company; every organisation needs accountants.

Student life has been great. I would recommend spending the first year in halls - it's a good way of meeting people and not too much of a shock after leaving home. I love the city, I love the beach. It's a real student city.'

Clydea Chong – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I come from Hong Kong so what I liked was the sea; when you have a load of deadlines and you are really stressed it's nice to go down to the beach, it's always so fresh. It's also really convenient - the Students' Union, the University buildings, my halls of residence, they are all in the city centre.

Doing well is easy, all you need to do is keep focused in the lectures and seminars and if you find it difficult then just ask for help. Being an international student is difficult as it means you are a long way from home and family, but the lecturers and staff are approachable and really helpful.'

Bukky Oluwabukola – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I love Portsmouth. It can be hard leaving home, but after a couple of months down here I didn't want to go back to London. All the lecturers are very approachable and my personal tutor is always there to help if I need any advice or assistance. When I finish I am going to complete the remaining ACCA exams and work in an accounting practice. The money is good and you can work all over the world.'

Fola Sogbesan – BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance

'I always wanted to work in this field; my dad was a banker and I was good at maths at school. It's a bit more than that though. I have always been interested in finance, I try to watch the business section on the news and flick through the business pages on the internet.

To do well you have to be at it all the time. Do what you have to do when you have to do it and don't put things off, otherwise things catch up with you. Put the effort in. It's an old saying, but you reap what you sow.'