I’ve had the pleasure of working on numerous occasions with Lucinda – so much so that she’s become an honorary member of the Accounting & Management Society (A&MS). Here’s my interview with the lovely Lucinda proving that you can still have fun while working hard !
Can you tell me a little about yourself?
I am a third year BSc Business Economics studying at the Marylebone Campus of University of Westminster. I am also Vice President of the Investment & Trading Society (I&TS) and am also a member of the Badminton Club. I was born and raised in London, and enjoy everything that this great city has to offer whilst being a hardworking student.
As a fellow student what would you recommend to other students in the Westminster Business School?
As a fellow student, I would recommend everyone to focus on his or her studies. Pick modules that you enjoy and research them extensively before you make your final choice. Also, utilise the facilities provided, such as the library, the computer labs and, the social space. It’s all designed to help you study and make the most of your time while here. Also, just try to enjoy studying, don’t strain yourself too much. Sometimes we are so busy that we forget about our health, we may seem fine one moment, but then the stress and pressure can hit you all at once another moment. Sleep well, eat well, avoid junk food and exercise. The mind is not designed to work at lightning speed all the time, so allow time to relax. You can spend a whole day at the computer with only 2 hours of productive work, or you can have 2 hours of productive work and relax. You’ll be in the same position in both scenarios, but you’ll be happier following the second option.
How have you managed your responsibilities as Vice-President and your schoolwork?
This academic year, the I&TS have been very busy holding several events, requiring a lot of time to organise and promote. It is very easy to get extremely dedicated in something you are passionate about, that you can get distracted from the main purpose of university, which is your degree. I always make up the hours spent working for the society by carefully planning out what I need to do. I complete the tasks that can be done in the short term immediately, so I can leave an adequate time frame for studying without distractions.
What are the main lessons you have learnt by being so involved during your studies?
The main lessons I have learnt through studying is that you are not alone. With continuous deadlines and exams, some days I’d be overwhelmed with fear. However I learnt that almost everyone is going through the same thing and its good to have great friends surrounding you to reassure and calm you. No matter what the outcome, all will be fine as long as you are making progress. Study hard, but also reward yourself and have fun and be happy.
The rest of the Investment & Trading Society Team members are all men, what’s it like being the only female on the team?
Being the only female on the team is quite fun, I often hear people say when I walk past ‘That’s the girl from the Investment & Trading Society’ so it is quite nice to know that out society is known and getting recognition. It can be intimidating, being in a team where the rest of the group are male, but we respect each others opinions creating a work culture that is productive and fun regardless of gender. I think the reason behind the success of our society is because we get along with each other so well, not only within the I&TS but with other societies too. I also know if I ever need help managing the males in the I&TS, I have two very strong and independent women, Evelyn and Na’Omi from the A&MS to help me out. I don’t think anyone would dare get cross with them!
What have you enjoyed the most from your time at Westminster Business School?
I enjoy my course. I couldn’t see myself studying anything else other than Economics. I like how Economics is somehow a mixture of mathematics involving intensive calculus, yet requires written analysis using hundreds of theories. The course is challenging however very rewarding especially when it is so relatable to current affairs. I like how Business Economics students are friendly to each other, we always help each other, we know each other, and above all we have fun together. We spent three years together and shared the same difficulties so it’s natural to feel sad that I won’t be able to see everyone together again. I hope that everyone especially Business Economics students achieve the best they can and I look forward to see everyone on graduation day.
Have you got any memorable stories that happened during your studies at Westminster Business School that you’d like to share with us?
I have too many memorable stories at Westminster Business School! Every day in university is memorable especially with my friends. These people have made University a very enjoyable and memorable experience and I am extremely grateful to have met these kind-hearted people. The dedication and passion of Westminster Business School lecturers and seminar leaders have also made my university experience unique and I thank them for all their hard work. Other than that, I am often around the Marylebone campus and you can have spontaneous conversations meeting the most random yet interesting people, making us all proud to be part of the University of Westminster. It is a shame that I have not had the opportunity to know certain people earlier, as the busy exam period does bring everyone together. I like to emphasise that third year Business Economics students are a tight knit group, and the combination of our characters and personalities have made the university experience extremely memorable and exceptionally unique.
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
Everyone should know that work experience and internships are crucial in determining your employability. Even if it’s just shadowing, this is an opportunity for you to understand the industry and gain experience. Any experience is better than no experience. However I know it is hard in obtaining one so what I would suggest is to constantly improve on your skills, or develop new skills. Volunteer, take part in societies, take part in sports, be involved and not only enrich your university experience, but also improve yourself for your future.
How has University life changed you?
I was already mature when I entered University, but the university experience has made me much wiser as everything is a learning curve. No one can take this knowledge away. It is refreshing to see the development of my peers though. University life has encouraged me to pursue new opportunities, work harder and to be in control. I am going to miss this experience but I am ready to move on to the working life.
Good Luck in your exams, may your hard work be rewarded accordingly.
