Shannon Baker
Auditor
I believe the Accounting and Financial Management course sets you up extremely well for a career no matter what area of finance you want to go into (even if you decide that's not accountancy).
I think the placement year is an invaluable experience that ended up getting me a job that I had confirmed before I went back to final year. An amazing feeling! It gives you the chance to try out careers before you have to commit to a long term graduate scheme. I think the lecturers are fantastic and always so willing to give up their time to help you. It has given me 5 exemptions from professional examinations and I use a lot of the things I learnt in my job on a day to day basis.
Post 16 Education: A Levels Maths, Geography & Business Studies
Higher Education: BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management
Why did you choose to study Business?
I was always unsure of what I wanted to do, I never had any particular subject I was interested in at school nor did I have any specific talent in a certain area. I was always stronger at the maths-based subjects and I began to develop an interest in business from around 16/17ish. I then did some work experience in an accountancy firm and really enjoyed it and I went from there.
I went for the course at Â鶹ֱ²¥ based on the modules offered and the fact they offered so much support with finding a placement year along with the campus itself.
The subject is surprisingly broad in comparison with what I expected, you cover all aspects of business today including Law, Psychology of business, accounting, financial management (banking) and marketing etc, and there is a lot of scope to tailor your degree to things that you're interested in which is great as I had no idea when I first started what I wanted to do.
Shannon’s experience as a student
University was an incredible experience, I had some of the highest highs but also some tough times too. Overall, I feel so lucky to have been privileged enough to attend Â鶹ֱ²¥ University. The experience really is one of a kind and it is a chapter of my life I will never forget and will be forever grateful for.
Shannon’s Career
I am now working as an Auditor in an Accountancy and Financial Services firm called Kreston Reeves LLP. They are a Top-25 firm based in London, Kent and Sussex.
I am studying towards my ACA qualification to become a chartered accountant and have completed the first 6 exams in this.
Shannon's advice
Definitely look at all your options - don't just assume that everyone has to go to university as that's not the case. As much as I loved my time at uni as a whole, it's definitely not for everyone so do your research to ensure you end up where you will be happiest.
I would definitely recommend staying on top of your work and ask as many questions as you need to - no question is a stupid question and you'll be better off in the exams! Also - try and pick subjects you're interested in, rather than what you think will impress universities (apart from when you need a specific one to get onto a course) - it will make your time much more enjoyable.
Â鶹ֱ²¥ University offers undergraduate degrees in the following areas:
Accounting and Financial Management, Finance and Management, Business Analytics, International Business, Management, Marketing and Management, Economics, Business Economics and Finance, Economics and Management.
All Â鶹ֱ²¥’s degrees offer the opportunity to include a professional placement as an integral part of the degree.