Sabine Robinson

BAEcon Accounting and Finance

Why did you choose to study your course?

Sabine Robinson — Sabine secured a graduate job in audit off the back of her summer internship in Year 2.

I always wanted to do a course that related to business as I enjoyed economics at school.

Accounting and Finance appealed to me because you get to work towards the Accounting qualifications while also delving deeper into the inner workings of real businesses which are what I find the most interesting.

I chose the BA(Econ) Accounting and Finance course because it allows you to do a course focused on the accounting and finance areas but also with scope to choose some extra course units in social science areas of politics, economics and many more.

I believe this has benefitted me as I will come out with a degree where I’ve been able to explore my additional interests alongside the core business course units.

Why did you choose to study at The University of Manchester?

I love the vibe of the Manchester University campus being partly campus-style so all lectures are close together, but, also being within the city so there is a really good atmosphere and loads to do.

The University of Manchester has the largest student population of all universities in the UK, giving you the chance to meet so many new people from all over the world.

There are always events going on within and outside of the University among all the students.

What were your main considerations when choosing to study at The University of Manchester?

I went to visit four other universities before deciding The University of Manchester, the choice provided by the course here at Manchester along with the feeling I got when I came to the University was my main deciding factor.

What has been the highlight of your course so far?

I really enjoy learning about the inner workings of real firms.

What has been the most challenging part of your course so far?

Exam seasons can be challenging but rewarding as long as you work hard.

Have you undertaken any placements?

I did an internship in the audit department of BDO, located in Spinningfields, Manchester. During my internship, I worked within teams on various client sites doing audit work and got a real insight into the world of audit.

I have since received an offer of a graduate job there starting the September after I finish University.

What area are you specifically interested in?

Accounting.

How would you describe your student experience so far?

I’ve had the best student experience and made loads of new friends from so many different backgrounds and have grown up alongside them while gaining so much confidence and new skills I will use for the rest of my life.

What is the best thing about studying in Manchester?

The city is so big and new experiences never stop coming.

What advice would you give to future students?

I was really nervous before starting university, which is normal as it’s a very daunting experience.

However, you just have to remember that everybody is in the exact same boat and being pushed out of my comfort zone and meeting loads of new people turned out to be the best thing for me as I’ve made so many friends for life.

I stayed in halls in my first year and that’s where I personally made my closest friends who I now live with so I would recommend doing this but understand everyone’s preferences are different.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I have got a graduate job in audit off the back of my summer internship in the second year.

However, I think my course is very attractive to employers in any area of business as you develop such a deep understanding of how businesses work.

As well as the directly applicable skills from the course, the university will help me in my future career due to the organisational and people skills I have developed.

Any final comments?

I always wanted to come to university and have not regretted it for one minute.

Not only have I developed a lot in terms of education but the chance to come to university and move out of my family home has really helped me grow up and learn how to look after myself.

I have also built up a lot of confidence while meeting so many new people at university which I also believe will help me a lot in the future in both personal and work life.

Sabine's course

Find out more about the BAEcon in Accounting and Finance.