Luize Silina

Tell us about your degree - why did you choose it? What elements of the degree inspired you to study it?
A Joint Honours degree in Economics and Politics provided an opportunity to combine my interests and study at two schools simultaneously. This degree allowed me to explore a wide range of quantitative and qualitative subjects and thus I managed to realise my interests, strengths and weaknesses.  

As part of my degree, I was also able to do a year abroad at one of the best business schools in Europe. Completing an exchange year at Bocconi University in Italy allowed me to explore subjects that go beyond my initial degree.  

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most about your course?
My experience at university was very different because I started my first year in the midst of the pandemic and everything was online. Despite having a different experience in my first two years of university, I really enjoyed attending seminars because it allowed me to discuss the lecture content with others and also find like-minded people. I was also a big fan of attending in-person lectures at the big auditoriums.  

One thing that I wish I had done more of is attending office hours as it is a very useful way to meet your professors individually and ask them any course-related questions. Additionally, I loved studying on campus. The campus is like our own little world where you have everything you need - cafes, shops, study spaces, libraries and more. 

What was your impression/experience of the student union, the city of Leeds and Yorkshire? Did you do any extracurricular activities during your studies? How did you enhance your personal development? What would you recommend to future students?
Leeds is a very lively city and the campus is located close to the centre of the city. Leeds University Union is located in the centre of campus and there are shops, bars, study spaces, and more. The Union provides the opportunity for students to join more than 300 different societies and clubs, so I cannot emphasise enough the importance of joining at least one of them.  

During my studies, I was very proactive and thus I joined many societies such as the Economics Society, POLIS Society, International Student Advisory Board and others. Additionally, I was elected Treasurer of the fundraising society RAG (Raise and Give) and President of the Trading and Investment Society (LUUTIS). All of this has been very beneficial for my personal and professional development. Taking part in extracurricular activities has allowed me to not only meet like-minded people but also push myself outside my comfort zone. It can be very rewarding as well; I was invited to be a guest speaker at different events in Leeds and London and for the Women in Leadership Society podcast. 

Leeds University Union provides enormous opportunities to grow personally, professionally and academically, so I definitely recommend being proactive while studying at the university because it can open many doors. 

How did your experiences at Leeds University Business School help you to advance your career?
Leeds University Business School is a great place to study, which is shown not only by its rankings but also by its alumni success stories. I believe that the courses provided by the Business School have helped me build a fundamental understanding of theoretical concepts while also equipping me with analytical thinking in order to see the practical implications.  

The courses I chose to study were challenging but professors and teaching staff ensured a high-quality teaching process, opportunities to access individual feedback, and words of encouragement when necessary.  

While studying at Leeds Business School, my career path became clearer, I managed to participate in projects that have been useful during interviews, and I also got a chance to complete an exchange year at one of the best business schools in the world.

During my studies I completed a summer internship within treasury at Citibank in London, and later, while studying at Bocconi University, I interned at a corporate finance and investment advisory company (Callidus Capital). As the president of LUUTIS in my final year of studies, I networked with professionals from corporate finance companies, private equity houses and investment management firms, which motivated me to explore my career path further. 

What are your ambitions for the future?
I am an extremely ambitious person and I want to try many different things. I am currently focusing on my professional development and moving up the ladder. I imagine myself relocating to another metropolis later in life. Additionally, I want to continue empowering more young people, especially women, to dream big and work hard, so I hope to continue speaking at different events and podcasts, and perhaps one day I could launch my own business. I believe that the sky is the limit, so everything is possible. 

What advice would you give to anyone looking to work in a similar role or industry to you?
Say yes to opportunities because that will open many doors for you. I recommend joining societies, attending events, and applying to events organised by different companies. This is how you meet people, hear about other opportunities, and get experience that you can use in your CV and interviews.  

How was the transition to living and studying in a different country? Did the university offer support or services that you found helpful? Can you offer any advice?
I moved to the UK during the pandemic, so it was nerve-wracking and isolating because of the restrictions. However, the University provided a lot of support. There was a welcome package with a lot of useful information, they organised online events and workshops, and professors were supportive and encouraging during the online studies. The University and Union provide many resources that help to navigate around the campus and Leeds, to open bank accounts and settle in. Students can access help online and in person, so there is plenty of support available.  

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? Would you recommend the Business School to others?
My final year of studies was the most defining experience, as I was the first female president leading a male-dominated finance society. I changed the strategy and put a lot of effort into giving students opportunities and experiences that are crucial for their career development. We started the year strong with a record-high attendance rate and 240 students attended the first event with bankers from Houlihan Lokey. The next event was organised in partnership with Beurzbyte and more than 170 students attended. I managed to host an in-person Finance Accelerator Simulation in partnership with AmplifyME and Morgan Stanley and around 130 students took part in this challenge. The more I pushed myself outside my comfort zone, the more confident I became about my abilities. All of this was possible because LUUTIS is one of the Business School's societies and there are so many LUBS students who are eager to attend events and thus invest in their professional development.  

I recommend joining Leeds Business School because it provides many opportunities to grow academically, professionally and personally.  

What advice would you give to students to help them get the most out of their time in Leeds?
Be proactive! Try new hobbies and classes, meet like-minded people and explore the city and campus because time flies.