Natalie Ratchford

How did you hear about Chester Business School and why did you choose to study here?

I first heard of Chester when checking the league tables online for Accounting and Finance degrees. I chose to study here after coming to an open day and learning about the exemptions, the city, and the main thing for me was the small class sizes instead of lecture halls full of students.

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

I chose Accounting and Finance after enjoying accounting so much through A Level and I enjoyed that I found it challenging. I also like that Accounting and Finance is such a highly regarded degree and knew that the accounting qualifications after university are accepted globally.

What is the best part of your studies? What are you enjoying the most?

I enjoyed my year placement the most as I got to practice what I had learnt for two years and it gave me confidence for my final year. I’m currently enjoying the Management Module and in previous years would look forward to seminars in person.         

Tell us about the skills and experience you have developed by your year in industry?

My year in industry specifically focused on applying my theory in real-life situations as well as providing me with organisational and communicational skills which are best to use within an office environment.

Are there any places of interest in Chester and the surrounding area that you would recommend?

During the pandemic, we haven’t been able to do much but walk, and the River Dee and meadows are perfect for this. Once normal life resumes the bars in and around Chester are amazing and such friendly staff.

What are your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you will gain from your degree course will help you in your future career plans? In what way?

I have secured a graduate job at a global fuel card company and they offer further study support. This means that I can now study towards my ACCA or CIMA qualification. My degree will help me towards this as I have developed my way of learning and revising for specific exams and there will be a lot of more accounting exams in my future. As well as this, university has allowed me to develop my time management as I have always had a part-time job as well.

What is your impression/experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the student union?           

I have found that all facilities I have needed have always been available and the staff on my course are one of my favourite aspects of this course. Everyone is so friendly, and my PAT has always been there to help me progress.

Are there any other experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed? e.g. participation in extra-curricular activities or groups, nightlife, the region's historic places of interest? What would you recommend to future students?

Especially after the previous year’s lockdown I would say make the most of your freshers and remember you are here to enjoy yourself whilst studying hard. Getting involved in sports you are interested in is a great way to meet people as well as through jobs. I met some of my really good friends through pub work and the majority also studied at the University of Chester.

Would you recommend the Business School to others who are considering studying here?

Yes

Have you secured a job on graduation? If so please expand on the role.

Yes, as a Financial Operations Assistant at a global company focusing on fuel cards and telematics solutions. They have also offered me study support towards my ACCA or CIMA qualification.