Kevin
Kevin is studying for BSc Accounting and Business with Industrial Experience at the Streatham Campus in Exeter.
Why did you decide that Exeter was the best place to study?
Employability at Exeter is one of the best within the UK, and with the opportunity to undertake a year in industry, this allows me to gain valuable insights within the industry of financial services at such an early stage of my career. With a gold Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), lecturers are engaging and there are great resources available to equip me with relevant knowledge and skillsets as a future professional.
Describe your typical day at Exeter
Most of my days consist of on campus learning, with lectures and seminars held throughout the week, and as Vice-Captain of Exeter University Volleyball Club and a member of the Men’s 1s team, balancing both my academia and sport throughout the term. Most of my modules involve heavy content learning, and I use the Library to get most of my work done!
As a Portfolio Manager in the Exeter Student Investment Fund, I have access to Bloomberg Terminals, a software system that allows me to access real-time market data and investing analytics, where I spend quite a fair amount of time managing the real money fund, along with my own work at university.
Generally, my timetable is packed with both lectures and seminars to prepare for, but balancing sport, going out and studies is manageable with the abundance of resources available at University, both from the Career and Study Zone, along with peer mentors and personal tutors.
What are the best aspects of studying within your department?
Staff support is one of the key driving factors that makes the Business School what it is today, with lecturers and seminar leads being so readily available and approachable, seeking help and getting support is accessible, as our tutors are here to help us succeed.
The Business School has brilliant amenities, with tons of areas to either study silently or areas for group discussion, it really is a conducive area to work.
How would you describe the vibe on campus?
Streatham campus is always warm and welcoming, bright and lovely. There are Student Ambassadors readily available to support anyone that is new to the area. There are tons of activities going on throughout the year, with awareness weeks and charity events, or career fairs and sporting events, making campus always happening!
What activities are you taking part in?
As Vice Captain of the Exeter University Volleyball Club, it truly is a club where the importance of community and family are the most important, catering to all levels of playing, from a person completely new to the sport, or any professionals to compete for the university in our BUCs teams. Exeter University Volleyball Club is home to more than 275 individuals, where each member is valued equally and “adopted” into our home away from home, with almost half the club being international students.
Furthermore, in the student investment fund, I have managed to gain real world experience as my position as a portfolio manager, I have access to the real money fund, specifically specialising in Technology, Media and Telecommunications (TMT) trading, this has equipped me with relevant skills to boost my employability and partake in real life situations outside of academia.
What particular skills are you gaining from this experience, will this help you in your choice of career?
I will be undertaking a placement year as a portfolio engineer and trader under asset management at UBS in 2023, and my experience at the University’s Career Zone and attaining the Exeter Award has undoubtedly given me a platform to practice my skills in both the numerical/verbal reasoning tests, along with the interview experience, it has certainly boosted my confidence when applying to jobs in the future.
The skills I learnt from the Exeter Award are transferrable and extremely useful for the future, and attending events with the Student Investment Fund has allowed me to gain deeper insight in the industry of finance, which led to me applying for my role at UBS.
How have you dealt with any challenges/difficulties during your time at the University of Exeter?
Settling in was challenging, being an international student from so far away, but support from peers and forging communities within different friendship circles has led me to fit in well, helping the transition from life in Singapore to one completely different in Exeter.
What is the best thing about living in Exeter?
Exeter, being a student city, is vibrant and is a brilliant place to study as there are many amenities around, making Exeter a lovely place to study and to have fun! One of the best things is that it is near the coast, making a trip down to a beach in Exmouth or Dawlish Warren just under an hour, providing a place to rest and relax on days off.
Would you recommend Exeter to your friends?
Yes.
Was there anything about your experiences at Exeter that surprised you?
Exeter has the highest tree to personnel ratio in the UK, and with such a green campus, it is really nice to go on walks if you need a break from the library or inbetween lectures, green spaces on campus make a massive difference in my studying.
What advice would you give students planning on coming to the University of Exeter?
Come with an open mind and do your best to balance your time with enjoying University and studying, then Exeter will be a place to call home!
Has the University been supportive during your time here?
Yes! Student support has been amazing since day 1, with help from Wellbeing to help settle in, and tutors to help with work, the University has amazing resources designed to help you succeed.
