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.'

Liam Gulvin - BSc Economics Finance and Banking

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

'Prior to joining University, I was not entirely sure about my eventual career path, so I chose this pathway as I felt it offered a broad insight into the world of finance rather than just one strict discipline. Another factor in my decision was that the degree offered the opportunity to complete a 12-month work placement, and thus in effect constituted a four-year programme. This was a particular attraction to me as I viewed it essential to gain first-hand experience in the workplace in order to differentiate myself from my peers afer graduation.

Having completed a 12-month work placement with the professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, I have since been offered a place on their full time graduate programme and therefore my decision to incorporate a work placement into my degree would appear justified.

I believe my time studying at Portsmouth Business School has provided a firm grounding before embarking upon my chosen career. There is a clear emphasis on ensuring that graduates of Portsmouth Business School are well-rounded individuals, reflected by the inclusion of a Professional Development unit and the achievement of good academic results. Throughout my degree I have enjoyed the friendly and helpful culture reflected by Portsmouth Business School, and have no doubt that this has played a major role in my achievements whilst studying at Portsmouth.'

Andrew Poett - BSc (Econ) (Hons) Economics, Finance and Banking

'I have always had my sights set on a career in investment banking. I knew Portsmouth Business School had a growing reputation for the quality of its courses and I jumped straight into the BSc (Econ) (Hons) Business Economics after completing my A Levels. The flexibility of the path structure allowed me to switch to the BSc (Hons) (Econ) Economics, Finance and Banking during my final year, which for me, offered a more focused content for my chosen career, including units on corporate finance and international banking and financial management.

During my second year I took a year long work placement working in London for Commerzbank AG. This was made possible through the help and advice of the Placements Office and various lecturers. The year’s experience was a distinct advantage when it came to looking for employment after graduation, and a week after leaving I had secured a role confirming Exotic Options working for the Royal Bank of Scotland back in London.'