Nikita Wad

How did you hear about Leeds University Business School and why did you choose to study here?            

My decision to study here was cemented by talking to a friend who was one year ahead of me in school and joined the University when I was trying to decide where to apply to. The passion with which she described the city and her experiences overall convinced me to choose Leeds.

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?  

I participated in a number of Model United Nations conferences in school and studied Economics at my A-level equivalent; these experiences combined increased my interest in the subject and made me want to choose it as a course. I chose business economics specifically due to the difference in compulsory modules compared to straight Economics in 2nd year.

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most?         

It's an interesting time to study Economics given the global socio-economic and political environment. Our lecturers link classroom theory with what's happening in the news which is very interesting.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you will gain from your degree course will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

I intend to work in the finance industry and I have a particular interest in investment banking. Throughout the course, I've learned how to manage my time, work with people through various group projects and how to analyse large amounts of data to extract relevant information. These skills are highly transferable and will be useful to me when I work in the industry I'm passionate about.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your studies at the Business School that you can tell us about?     

In my first year, I was the Economics course representative and I won an award for being "Course Representative of the Year".

Have you taken up any of the extra opportunities available to you and what was your experience of these? Any highlights?

In my first year, I worked as the External Speakers Director of the Leeds Finance Summit 2018, which was the largest finance conference in the United Kingdom. I was recognised for my contribution to the event and was named as one of J.P.Morgan's Top 30 Women to Watch - UK 2018.

In my second year, I secured a summer internship with an asset management firm and a work placement in investment banking in London. I am the co-founder of a non-profit organisation known as the Girls in Charge Initiative which operates in 6 universities across the country including Leeds and aims to make entrepreneurship a real career option for female students.

I also took on the role of Co-Careers Secretary for the Leeds University Union Trading and Investment Society, co-leading its popular Investment Banking Roundtable series.

For my third year, I will be doing a Year in Industry in London at Lazard.

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the Yorkshire region?

Something I truly appreciated was the support I received from my personal tutors at university.

Student societies like the Trading and Investment Society and the Women in Leadership Society led me on to the career path I am now on and allowed me to meet people that are today some of my closest friends.

Leeds itself as a city is always bustling with energy which appeals to me.

Are there any other experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed? What would you recommend to future students?   

My recommendation would be to remember that you're here to further your career; resources are available to you and taking advantage of societies related to your course is of utmost importance. Being proactive in first year is a necessity!

Don't be afraid to try new things. Join extra-curricular activities you may not conventionally take up; I decided to attend the Give It A Go event by the ballroom and latin dancing society in my first year even though I've never been a dancer and it was absolutely amazing.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here?

I've learned a lot during my time at Leeds and the university has given me much. I would recommend it.

If you are not from the UK, how was the transition to a foreign country? Did the University offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

As soon as I arrived, I took the initiative to involve myself in societies and actively meet new people. Take the opportunity to mix with people from different places. I've learned more from friends who come from a diverse range of countries than I ever would researching online.