Can you please tell me a little bit about yourself? (Briefly about what you are studying, etc.)
I am a penultimate year BSc (Hons) Accounting with Management student. I currently hold the position of Corporate Relations Officer at Westminster Business School Accounting and Management (A&M) Society, where I am responsible for establishing a rapport with corporate clients, assist in the various events we organise for our members, produce marketing materials and deliver presentation to large group of audience to raise awareness of our society.
Prior to my role in the A&M Society, I was an Investment Analyst at Qatar Consulting Group. I have also had the privilege to work in the Private Wealth Management division of Morgan Stanley where I acquired an understanding of the various factors financial advisors take into account before taking major risk, gained first hand exposure in fixed income securities and learned the principles of client relationship management.
I am a fashion fanatic and I enjoy designing clothes with my own textiles. I have participated in Burberry’s Summer Fashion and Textiles Academy where I successfully designed an outfit inspired by the 2012 Olympics theme.
How did you decide to study at Westminster Business School?
My choice of A- Levels along with my previous internship in Barclays Capital prompted my choice of degree course. I have always enjoyed working with numbers, solving puzzles and using my business knowledge to provide practical solutions for entities. Having studied AL Business Studies and Business Finance I was adamant that accounting is something I want to pursue as a career.
Aside from the diverse and innovative culture that Westminster Business School upholds I was highly drawn to the course structure and quality, as it enables students to broaden their horizon whether it is through acquiring and developing new language skills via the Polylang pathway or specialising in a field of their interest. In particular I was highly impressed of the integration of academic degrees with professional qualification, which meant that I can become part qualified chartered accountant (ACCA) by the time I graduate.
How and when did you get involved in the Accounting & Management Society?
During my first year of university I felt that Westminster Business School is lacked a society that bridges the gap between education and employment and actively empowers its members by providing them with exceptional and unique opportunities. So, I have decided to become an executive member of the Accounting & Management Society board, after hearing a presentation that was delivered by the president and vice-president of the society where they introduced the society, its aims, principles and ethos. I was enthusiastic and I wanted to be part of a society that encourages fellow students and members to achieving their optimum potential and unlocking exclusive opportunities. Shortly after the presentation, I spoke to the president of the A&M Society where I expressed my interest in becoming an executive member of the A&M Society board. I have been with the society since October 2012 and I believe I have contributed significantly towards the advancement of our society.
What do you think of the social learning platform?
The new social learning platform is a perfect example of Westminster Business School futuristic forward thinking approach to improve the quality of learning as well as adapting to the needs of socially savvy generation. The renovated social learning platform is fantastic study area which encourages innovation, greater transparency and open lines of communication. Students are able to gather their ideas in an informal yet sophisticated environment, socialise and work in groups. Through the virtual learning environment (also known as blackboard) students are able to post their findings in the Wikilink section thereby contributing and sharing their ideas with fellow classmates. This process strengthens students’ knowledge and understanding of topics studied, as it encourages academic discussions and therefore sharpens students learning experience. Overall I think the social learning platform is an excellent idea that will increase students’ performance and it is an efficient learning mechanism.
If you were asked to give one piece of advice to students then what would it be?
One piece of advice that I can offer to fellow classmates would be to make the most during their time in Business School; whether that is becoming an active member of a society, mentoring or even joining the basketball team of the university. This will enable them to hone their soft skills, acquire valuable qualities and the opportunity to apply and use their experience in a workplace environment. There are tons of opportunities available in various industries so don’t be hesitant in trying something new. With knowledge comes the experience and you wouldn’t know what you like unless you try it. The graduate labour market is extremely competitive and I would recommend students to participate in as many activities as possible and complete an internship at least to boost their employment prospective post-university.
How do you relax out of school work? What are your interests/leisure activities?
As a London resident there is never-ending-adventure in the capital. Being in a city that maintains divine art galleries, historical buildings and world class entertainment site such as the Royal Albert Hall means that there are plenty of ways to relax after a long day of university work or exam season. I enjoy going to theatre productions, hosting dinner parties and occasionally drawing. I thoroughly enjoy playing competitive sports and keeping fit. I am a member of the basketball team at my local community where I hold position four in my basketball team.
I recently attended Valentino Couture exhibition, after pulling an all-nighter to complete an assignment. I have been meaning to go to exhibition since the end of November but it was worth the wait. In my leisure time I like to keep myself occupied by learning new languages, following the business news and travelling to experience different cultures and exploring new places.
Everyone is talking about employability skills what do you think is the best way to increase your employability skills during your academic studies?
Westminster Business School offers specialist core modules, (i.e. professional competences, Business Research and Professional Practice, etc.) across all levels of degree which is designed to equip and aid students to develop their employability skills and gain better understanding of the graduate labour market. Additionally through the integration of professional qualification and academic studies, students are able to increase their employability skills through the practical knowledge acquired. With that in mind I think the best way to increase one’s employability skills is to put their knowledge into practice and become all-rounded individual. As mentioned earlier students can engage in various activities that will increase their employability skills during academic studies– whether that is becoming an active member of a society, mentoring or even joining the basketball team of the university. This will enable students to develop their leadership skills, become better team players, acquire management qualities as well as gain a sense of fulfilment and personal growth. In the words of Guy Kawasaki: “Jobs for college graduates should make them gain knowledge in at least one of these three areas: how to make something, how to sell something or how to support something.” Therefore students must have the ability to add value to their employers and this can be achieved by being competent in various fields.
We all know that student life is hard work! How do you manage to balance your studies with all the extra-curricular activities?
Time management skills and prioritising are fundamental qualities students must acquire to survive business school or the world of work. I tend to complete my assignments and reading materials days before its due, in order to avoid any complications and plans that may jeopardise my workload. I have a year-round academic calendar which helps me to be more organised and efficient with my time. University studies always come first. I have fixed schedules when it comes to university work and extra-curricular activities. Some modules consume more time than others and during exam seasons I focus and prioritise university work over extra-curricular actives. Studying finance based degree or any degree for that matter means having the luxury of combining your interest with academic work, thereby balancing and aligning your studies with extra-curricular activities. As an Accounting and Management student, we are encouraged to read financial press and keep abreast of the financial market and this means having the best of both worlds; in terms of becoming commercially aware, thus expanding your knowledge in something that interests you. In return that will enable students to have real life businesses to relate to their studies, hence improving their learning curve.
What does the future hold? Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
After completing my undergraduate degree I would like to work in a prestigious firm and practice my accounting knowledge as well as hone my skill-set. I am definitely considering in completing a post-graduate degree and some professional qualifications. A career in internal auditing or advisory appeals to me right now and I hope to become a senior financial advisor or experienced internal auditor in the finance sector in five year time.
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Well done Marwa! 🙂