Balancing a wealth of new opportunities – Joel’s successful first year in Accounting

I’ve enjoyed my first year at the University of Chester studying Accounting and Finance.

Outstanding Support

The one thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the lectures and the incredible support from the staff working at the University.  They’re friendly and approachable and always willing to help.

Opportunity after Opportunity

I’ve also had the chance to take part in some amazing opportunities, such as visiting the House of Commons, and participating in the planning of a King’s day reception at the University. These have been great opportunities to expand my skillset whilst gaining some valuable experience.

Attending the launch of the Breaking Down Barriers to Accountancy project in the House of Commons was an amazing and inspiring experience. I felt privileged to be invited to such an important event led by The Purpose Coalition, focusing on improving social mobility in the accounting profession. Speaking to firms, industry representatives and other students not only gave me a chance to network, but also gain valuable insights and a deeper understanding of what's being done to overcome challenges faced. Attending this event, has left me feeling more motivated about my future career and that with the right mindset, there's plenty of opportunities out there. 

If this opportunity or something similar comes up for any future students at the University of Chester, I encourage you to go for it. Opportunities like this can open doors and are a great experience for anybody looking to get into the Accounting and Finance profession.'

The rewards of an exciting new subject area

Since I hadn’t studied Accounting and Finance before, learning new concepts and methods has been both challenging and rewarding. I have enjoyed building a strong foundation of the finance world and look forward to beginning level 5 studies.

When I graduate

Currently, I’m still deciding on whether to pursue the ACCA or CIMA route. Both offer great opportunities and interesting career paths. I’m hoping, as I continue with my studies into level 5 and level 6, I’ll be able to gain a clearer understanding of which area of accounting suits me best. I look forward to consolidating and expanding my knowledge to help shape my future career.

Looking forward to the placement year

I am currently on a four-year course, which includes participating in a work placement. I feel gaining the hands-on experience will be pivotal for my personal and professional development and will build the confidence needed for a successful career in this industry. I’m currently exploring my opportunities, and I am looking forward to applying my knowledge to a real-world setting.

My tips when choosing your university

I advise students looking around universities to:

• Look at the course content and make sure it matches your interests and aligns with what you want out of university and for your potential career.
• Attend Open Days! These will all help you gain a feeling of what it would be like to go to the University, feeling the campus atmosphere and potentially meeting some of your lecturers and people on the course.
• Make sure you choose a place which you feel comfortable living and studying in, this will make a huge difference to your overall university experience.

Want to find out more?

Visit our Chester Business School pages to find out about all of our degrees, including Accounting and Finance. Alternatively, you can find out about opportunities to visit us here.