Claire Rodger - BSc (Hons) (Econ) Economics

'I chose Portsmouth because it has an excellent business school with new facilities and is on the south coast. I was fortunate enough to spend my third year working in the Securities Lending department at The Bank of New York.

My main function was to liaise with traders and counterparties to ensure timely settlement of trades. I would recommend taking a placement year as it allows for the development of professional skills, which together with the academic skills you’ll gain over the three year study program, will provide a desirable skill set to employers.

There is plenty to do in Portsmouth and everything is in close proximity to the Business School.'

Iva Petkova - BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking

Iva was awarded the Jack Griffin Prize for Best Performance by an Economics Student.

'I decided to study for a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance and Banking because of the greater flexibility when choosing a career compared with single discipline degrees.

I enjoyed my time at the University because it’s a cosmopolitan place to be and all the students and staff are friendly and always happy to help.

My course was really interesting and challenging too. I was thrilled to be awarded the prize for Best Performance by an Economics Student and now I’m looking forward to my next step, which is to do an MSc in International Banking and Financial Studies.'

Rebecca Caron - BSc (Econ)(Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking

Rebecca is in her final year of an undergraduate degree and has recently completed a sandwich year working as a Finance Analyst for Xerox.

'I knew I had to go to Portsmouth on the first visit - I absolutely loved it straight away. I visited on a Preview Day and found the University really modern and professional but it still felt friendly. My mum and dad were impressed too so it felt right to go somewhere that they liked, especially as being from the Midlands I felt quite far away from home.

I studied business studies and mathematics at A Level and wanted to do something at university that would combine the two. Lots of my friends thought you had to study economics at A Level to study economics at degree level, so I was pleased to be able to dispel the myth.

Working in industry for a year has been a valuable experience and has given me a real insight into the world of work. I found it strange at first to be sticking to rigid office hours when I was so used to studying at my own pace and in my own time. But now that I have completed the placement I feel more focused and motivated, and am looking forward to taking practical skills back to the classroom in my final year.

The first three years at university have been fantastic. The course has become progressively harder but I’ve still managed to combine my studies with a good social life. Portsmouth is a great place for socialising; it has Gunwharf Quays, which has brilliant shopping, food and nightlife, and in my final year I am living near Albert Road, a central place to be as everywhere is within walking distance, which is also buzzing and full of character.'