What could be better than studying a Master’s in Finance at Westminster Business School? The answer?: Studying a Master’s in Finance and getting to cruise down the river Thames for a night of fun, food and dancing! With four courses represented (Finance and Accounting MSc, Finance Banking and Insurance MSc, Global Finance MSc and Investment and Risk Finance MSc), the event was a roaring success and a great opportunity for staff and students to let their hair down. And, thanks to the changing of the clocks, we began the cruise in daylight, watching the sun go down over the beautiful city of London:

Starting the cruise at Embankment we sailed past London’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, HMS Belfast, and of particular interest to our Finance students, Canary Wharf.

 The boat itself was set ready for a three course meal, complete with jazz band, and a dancing floor (to the particular delight of the staff on board 😉). Whilst we were waiting for our appetisers, I took the opportunity to take a few snaps and speak to some of our students to find out how they’ve enjoyed the last year:

“So my name is Yash Saghavi and I joined the Finance and Accounting MSc in September 2015. I chose Westminster because of the location and because it’s just so ahead of other universities. I come from a background of accounting and finance and my course has helped me a lot for post-graduation and will help me with my own business in India. The uni is amazing – the campus is beautiful and has a fantastic Financial Markets Suite that we can use. Lessons here are also amazing – the study level is great and the teachers are good and nice. This is also my first time in the UK and London is a very great city that you don’t want to leave!” Yash Sanghavi MSc Finance and Accounting.

“Hi! My name is Othman Brihalla and I am from Morocco, studying Investment and Risk Finance. I am really happy with the modules that I have taken on this course – one of the main reasons why I came to study at Westminster. Before studying at Westminster, I did an internship which focussed on financial derivatives – it was great to take the module called Financial Derivatives as part of my degree and learn more. I also love another module called Forecasting Markets and Risk Modelling because this enables us to become familiar with the tools that we need in the industry. I actually had an interview today for my Internship programme, which is part of the course, and I’m happy because this degree has taught me how to support my argument at interview and I can show employers the application of theory to practice. It’s also great living in London – meeting other people, learning a new culture and improving my communication skills. Where will I go next? My objective is to find a job in finance – maybe in asset management.” Othman Brihalla, Investment and Risk Finance MSc.

“My name is Nanbyen Stella Yakubu and I started the Finance and Accounting MSc in September 2015. I have had a great time! For me, the highlights have been having new learning experiences which are different to those in my home country, Nigeria. Now I have a much more active approach towards building my career. Also the social events have been a highlight – I get to network because the school holds events for us. I also took advantage of the Mentoring programme here – on coming to Westminster my position was to maximise all of the benefits that the programme is offering, something I recommend to all students. I have to commend the teaching style, which is very practical, realistic and relevant to the industry.  It makes you feel that you are already building your career.

My favourite module was Financial Accounting Policy – before coming here it looked very scary to me, but now, it’s so easy and the processes are well broken down and delivered by the tutor. The biggest challenge has been reassessing my short-comings in the previous semseter – looking at the things I could have done that I did not do because I did not have the right method. I have now come up with a better method in terms of study skills and time management and exam preparation.

London has been like a dream come true but the thing about dreams coming true is that you feel the excitement but you also feel the sting – the sting was definitely the weather! There are so many exciting places to visit – you must study but you should also take the time to relax and enjoy the city. Also, the security – it’s a major thing. I have confidence for example if I study late in the library, that I am safe. When I graduate I will apply to be a part of the ACCA – I will be able to claim 7 exemptions because of this Master’s degree. I will then go back to Nigeria and get a job in accounting.” Nanbyen Stella Yakubu, Finance and Accounting MSc

“I am Battulga Bataa Fib, from Mongolia and studying Finance, Banking and Insurance MSc. The course specialised in my interest and when I graduate I will move back to my country and work in this field. Living in London everything is just five minutes away and really convenient – even my Halls of Residence, which is great. The highlights for me have been the culture, learning a new point of view, and the weird weather. During January I also got to travel to Scotland – that was really cold but I really enjoyed seeing the castles and historical sites.” Battulga Bataa Fib, Finance, Banking and Insurance MSc

Following our meal then, time to put our dance shoes on! 💃🎉

All that’s left to say is, (in the words of one of our excellent academics)…and a good night was had by all 🙂

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Jeni Stokes

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