Sameeksha Sethi

Why did you choose Leeds University Business School? 

I had always wanted to study at an internationally renowned institution and whilst looking at my options in the UK, I came across Leeds University Business School as it had good rankings alongside being a member of the Russell Group.  

My decision was further cemented after looking at the course details, international accreditations and location. The culturally diverse and inclusive environment also really attracted me to Leeds University Business School. 

What do you enjoy most about your studies? 

The best part of my studies is definitely the variety of modules we are taught as a part of our degree. My course offers a good blend of theoretical and numerical modules, alongside a choice of optional discovery modules. This has helped me shape my degree in the way I wanted to.  

I selected modules in Accounting, French, and Management, which helped me learn many interesting subjects in addition to Economics. It helped me think deeper about what I want to do in the future, what I enjoy studying and what I am good at. 

Have you taken up any of the extra opportunities available to you?

I have been active in my extra-curricular activities at University. For the Business School, I have been a Course Representative, Work Placement and Study Abroad Representative, Student Ambassador and Community Intern. These roles all helped me give back to the institution where I learnt and gained so much and build further connections with my peers and the staff.  

For the University, I have been a Residence Life Assistant for two years. I also joined a few societies, two highlights of which were being the Treasurer for Women in Leadership, and Careers Secretary for Leeds University Union Trading and Investment. All these experiences have helped me learn about different areas, meet new people, develop my skills and open the door for future opportunities. 

How has your experience been with the facilities, the staff, your peers and the student union? 

I have an extremely positive impression of the facilities, the staff, my peers and Leeds University Union. The world class facilities gave me the motivation and space to study, while the supportive and knowledgeable staff helped me by offering the best advice and great teaching material.

My peers helped form a community where we learnt from each other and Leeds University Union made university life more exciting and provided opportunities to build new connections, enjoy my time at Leeds and explore different opportunities. 

If you completed a year in industry, how was your experience? Did you feel supported by the University in finding your placement? 

I had the opportunity to do a placement year at The Walt Disney Company in London as a Finance Intern for the Consumer Products, Games and Publishing team. My experience was beyond amazing as I learnt about the industry, worked on real projects in the corporate world and understood the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of a global organisation.  

Having this experience at such a young age during my university degree was transformative because it helped me understand and realise my capabilities, skills I am good at, areas I have to work on and things I enjoy. It helped me secure a summer internship too. 

I felt supported by the University both in finding and during my placement. The Employability and Opportunity Team at the Business School helped me secure the placement by offering advice during my application and before my interview. I was also given a placement tutor, which was useful as I could speak to them for any questions I had about the placement process and they also helped me transition back into university life. 

What do you think of Leeds and the surrounding region? Where is your favourite place to go in the area? 

I think Leeds and the surrounding region is perfect for students; there’s everything one might wish for – there’s restaurants, parks, entertainment activities, social places etc. The Yorkshire region is scenic and well-located as it offers good transport links to most cities in the UK, which opens up opportunities for travel. 

My favourite place to go to is Ilkley Moor, which is near Leeds. It provides an escape from the busy lifestyle and has beautiful views from the top of the moor. Another one of my favourite places is Leeds Dock. It’s a quiet area where I can sit near the river and enjoy a good cup of coffee. 

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?

I aspire to work in the financial industry, particularly in the banking sector. My degree has helped me learn essential skills such as communication, team work, research, analysis and critical thinking, which I believe is crucial for most career plans.  

I had the opportunity to complete a nine-week summer internship with Deutsche Bank as a Finance Intern in London in 2021. Following the internship, Deutsche Bank offered me a position in their 2022 Finance Graduate Programme, which I have accepted. I’m looking forward to this graduate scheme as it would help me further develop my skills, knowledge, network and employability, and help further achieve my career goals. 

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

I would definitely recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here. I can say with full confidence that the experience at the Business School will be life-changing in a positive way, with so many opportunities on offer. I cannot explain in words how much I have developed as a person and succeeded on my career trajectory during my time here. 

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? 

My transition to a foreign country was a bit difficult in the start, but I would say the University provides support in many ways to help international students settle down in the first few weeks. The International Student Office organises both social and informative events, which are quite useful. They offer other forms of assistance also, such as picking students from the airport/train station, having buddy schemes and hosting Global Cafés. 

There are so many ways you can interact and socialise with new people. Societies and accommodation socials were two ways I met most of my friends. My advice would be to embrace the opportunity of being in a different country and having so many culturally diverse people around you, learn as much as you can, enjoy yourself and make the most of your time here because time definitely flies by really quickly!