George Biddle

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

Economics and Finance was a pretty well-rounded degree, chosen because I wanted to learn about economic theory and its principles and application, but I also wanted to balance that with some more in-depth industry experience.

What was the best part of your studies here? What did you enjoy the most?    

Developing myself as an individual, taking any and every opportunity that came up and having a place to support me in doing so. And obviously the social side of Uni was unbelievable.

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

I planned to go into investment banking. My course and experience helped me obtain a 13-month placement in Munich with Goldman Sachs, and I was offered a graduate position afterwards.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School? Have there been any notable highlights?

I chose to go it alone and start my own business instead of taking my grad offer, because I felt I was being truer to myself, and I also believed I would excel far better with the freedom, uncertainty and daily challenge of having to learn how to do everything from scratch. I can confirm this was the best decision of my life.

Where are you currently working, and what is your role?           

I'm the founder and CEO of an EdTech app called Signin, aimed at changing the way students obtain industry experience.

What are your ambitions for the future?             

My ambition for the future is to have helped millions of students across the globe get the most out of the opportunities available within the University experience, in order to boost their chances of a successful future career.

Do you think your experience and skills gained here will help you in your future career plans? In what way?   

Absolutely in every way. I've learnt an incredible amount in the last 6 months, and have learnt a lot about the conditions under which I perform best, and have exposed my major weakness. I'm currently working on removing these weaknesses and focusing on becoming a better more balanced person in all aspects of my life.

What was your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union, the City of Leeds and the region itself? What would you recommend to future students?             

Facilities are great, I just either wasn't aware that half of them were there, or I didn't know how to use them or get the most out of them! This is something I aim to better with a future feature of Signin. The staff were mostly great, with some lecturers going the extra mile to help me out. Gaston and Stefan from the Business School are just two examples here.

What would you say is your defining memory of studying here? (eg friendships made, confidence in your abilities, or any single event that you will always remember?) And would you recommend the Business School to others                

I have so many! Perhaps second year was where I peaked socially, and third year was where I really started to hone in and connect together everything I'd learnt to that point. I think the pressures of third year are very good in rounding you off as an individual.