Caren Jacks

Why did you choose to study at Leeds University Business School?

I felt at home when I visited Leeds and I also felt welcomed by the staff and students. My main deciding factors were the course, reputation and financial support. Leeds met all the criteria and more. I love how the course is structured, it is a Russell Group university and Top 5 in UK for my course. It is also well respected by employers and there is a lot of financial support available

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it?

I am studying Accounting and Finance. The course at Leeds allows you to tailor your degree to your interests and to try a wide range of modules. I enjoyed studying Maths, Economics and Business Studies at A-Level and the course has elements of these subjects. I also chose it because of the drive towards employability and how that is incorporated into the course. There are also different forms of assessment which is good because it allows you to play to your strengths. For example, if you do not enjoy exams, some modules have a combination of coursework and group projects as part of the assessment. This prevents your whole performance from being weighted on a single exam.

What would you say to anyone considering applying for a scholarship?

I think that you should just go for it. It’s good to have that extra financial support especially if your student finance might not fully support you. It is also a great thing to have on your CV. The form is straightforward and do not underestimate how relevant some of your achievements might be. There are also other scholarships outside of the Business School you can apply for. Devote the time to put forward a strong application and get it checked by your teachers or parents, it is not given on a first come first served basis. My school Librarian helped me with my application and that really paid off.

What sort of things did you include in your scholarship supporting statement?

The scholarship is based on academic merit so I included things like topping the GCSE outstanding achievement table for my school and getting full UMS marks in some papers. I also included awards like the Jack Petchey Achievement award and my Bronze and Silver Arts Award. I included prizes I had won as well such as the Economics and Maths Prefect prize at A-Level. There is two other sections on your future career aspirations and how you will make the most of your time at university which should not be overlooked.

What are the best things about your studies here – what are you enjoying the most? 

The best things about study at Leeds are that it is a single campus university which makes it more convenient for me. I enjoyed the PASS sessions in the first semester because I was mentored by 2nd year students which is great because they can easily relate to you. I am enjoying the Careers Centre because of the workshops they hold and drop in services they provide. The union has something for everyone and you get exposed to a wide range of opportunities. I also love the water dispensers spread around campus. Leeds are also great in recognising your achievement. I love the facilities, especially the libraries, they each have distinctive characters so there a lot of choice and there is another library being built.

What are your career aspirations? 

I came here with the goal of being a Charted Accountant and whilst that is a career path l am still considering, it is great to keep your options open. There are a lot more opportunities in finance and a lot of employers visit the university on a weekly basis giving presentations and workshops. From going along to this, I have discovered other options such as working in the Professional Services sector and I am looking into Banking. I am also considering other companies that might not be directly linked to finance but have finance divisions such as Unilever or Aldi.

Have you been involved in any extra-curricular activities at Leeds such as clubs and societies or being a student ambassador?

I joined the Finance, Accounting and Business Society, aptly named FABSoc! I also joined Bright Futures and I am now a Treasurer on the committee. These societies allow me to network with like-minded individuals and other people I might not have come across (Leeds has 30000 students!). I am also a Student Ambassador for the Business School which is great because I get to share my passion for Leeds with prospective students and you get paid too! It is also flexible and you can fit it around your studies. I am on the Nurturing Talent Mentor Scheme which provides you with a mentor who is a skilled professional to help you with your personal and professional development. I am a mentor at the IntoUniversity centre in Leeds which helps raise aspirations for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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

Yes! I am proud to be at this university and to be part of the Business School. Leeds is also a great city cosmopolitan to live in. It is so diverse with something from everyone. It has everything you could possibly need and the cost of living is cheap as well. The Business School is prestigious with financial and personal support available for all students. It has impressive facilities and services such as the Careers Centre and Professional Development Hub. I place confidence in the fact that the strong drive towards employability skills at Leeds will make my degree much more worthwhile than it would have elsewhere. It can do the same for you too!