Damien Lee

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

I chose BSc Accounting and Finance for its strong reputation and its perfect balance between equipping us with both accounting fundamentals and exposure to finance to allow us to pursue a career in either field.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you gained here will help/helped you in your future career plans? In what way?

My four years at Leeds, including a placement year in Singapore, exceeded my expectations and certainly boosted my confidence and technical capabilities that will contribute to my long-term goals. During my Year in Industry, I developed my working knowledge of international corporate finance and private equity at PwC and Dymon Asia Capital working on real-world business projects. These skills have been beneficial to me in the final year of my degree and I know I will continue to build on this learning as a professional.

I am currently in the midst of my summer internship programme in the investment banking department of UBS London. My ambitions for the future are to work in investment banking but I may eventually go into entrepreneurship and start my accounting/finance company. I am confident that the knowledge and skills developed at Leeds University Business School will support me in my next steps.

How was the transition to a foreign country? Did the university offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?

Everyone was very welcoming. The University actively organises social events for international students to meet new people which I find extremely helpful. I would advise future students to look out for events organised by the Leeds University Union, join societies and take the first step to step out of their comfort zone and meet new people.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here?

Making so many new friends from all over the world and learning about the different cultures. I would recommend the business school to anyone pursuing a career in business, finance, accountancy or consulting.