When choosing a university, Southampton鈥檚 rankings and reputation were important for Anushree, and she liked the friendly campus vibe too. But the main attraction was the degree programme itself, which provided the combination of subjects she was looking for.
Not many universities offer this degree 鈥 it鈥檚 not only economics but other components too, such as computational economics. I knew I鈥檇 be taught more skills at this university.
Developing a new interest in coding
During the course Anushree found a new interest in coding, and through her module options she鈥檚 taken the opportunity to learn different programming languages.
鈥淏efore I came to Southampton I wasn鈥檛 interested in coding at all, in terms of my future and the careers side. But having done these modules it鈥檚 something I鈥檓 open to, because I鈥檝e realised how useful it is and how much it鈥檚 required in the wider world.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned so many things, like Python and RStudio, which will open up more career opportunities.鈥
Simulated trading room
Another benefit for economics students at Southampton is access to the Financial Laboratory (FinLab), a simulated trading room with real-time market data on Bloomberg terminals. Anushree learned to use the terminals in a year one module and currently works as a Bloomberg Peer Leader, a role that includes explaining the facility during open days.
鈥淗aving that experience is definitely helpful 鈥 in job interviews I鈥檒l be able to say I know what it鈥檚 used for and how its functions work.鈥
Flexible course structure
Anushree鈥檚 degree offers plenty of flexibility in years two and three, and she has enjoyed being able to tailor her learning.
鈥淚t鈥檚 given me lots of leeway in terms of what I want to choose and how I want to shape it. You can choose something more mathematical, or something more essay based. Personally I prefer the more quantitative side, so the options I鈥檝e chosen are related to that.鈥
"I鈥檝e found it a very friendly place where I鈥檝e been able to ask questions. If I have queries it鈥檚 easy to speak to lecturers, and my personal academic tutor has helped me out so much."
Networking for success
Alongside the course itself, Anushree has found the informal side of university life invaluable for building networks and knowledge. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned a lot through the friends I鈥檝e made and connections I鈥檝e made in the professional world, and by talking with the lecturers.鈥
Joining the committee of the Economics Society has also played a part in broadening her experience and her social circle. 鈥淎s well as social events we鈥檝e arranged talks by people from companies such as BDO and PwC, and a panel where lecturers talked about the latest UK government budget.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned how a committee works and the individual roles, and I鈥檝e had experience of things like contacting companies which is something I wouldn鈥檛 have done on my own.鈥
Equipped for a future in finance
Looking to the future, Anushree has decided to do a master鈥檚 degree in finance before embarking on her career. 鈥淚鈥檓 working towards a role in corporate finance or private equity, that鈥檚 where my dream lies.鈥
"I鈥檒l be sad to leave Southampton but I feel like I鈥檒l be leaving as a different person because of all the things I鈥檝e learned here."
