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Tell us a bit about your experience at ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ…. 

Sociable and supportive is probably the best way I can describe it. I was able to meet new people from different backgrounds with various interests, which led to fantastic memories and experiences. I was also very much supported with regular contact hours through my lecturers and tutor. 

Why did you choose to study at ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ? 

I changed my mind about going to ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ after an open day, as I had originally planned to attend a different university. It was clear I was going to be better supported in my studies and well-being. ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ also offered far nicer accommodation to most universities, which I felt was important as it would be the first time living away from home. ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ’s offering to take up a new language in the first year and then be integrated into classes with others who’d studied at A-level in the second year was a real opportunity to broaden my horizons. 

How has your career developed since graduating from ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ, and what is your current job role? 

I have worked for two large companies for several years following graduation: British Airways and NatWest Group (which includes working for private banks such as Coutts). I have mostly worked in leadership or learning roles. Currently, I am a Learning Specialist for the bank and responsible for both the design and delivery of training for those working in Premier Banking. 

In what way did studying at ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ enhance your employability? 

Languages degrees means enhancing and practising your ability to provide different arguments in written form as well as by way of presentations. I was doing this regularly in two languages, covering topical areas such as climate, immigration and same-sex marriage, and this allowed me to gain real confidence in the corporate world. Leadership and learning roles, which are my main areas of work experience, look for individuals who can speak confidently and convincingly with stakeholders and clients. 

What advice would you give to students studying in the ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ?  

Make full use of the learning resources available to you via the university and make full use of the resources available to you in the digital world. Immerse yourself in your subject beyond lectures: watch the news abroad, listen to podcasts in different languages, and commit to meeting other people to practice speaking and listening. In terms of wellbeing, also make full use of what the university offers because ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ offers a lot more personal support than many universities.  

In one sentence, what was your favourite thing about studying at ³Ô¹ÏȺÖÚ?  

Learning the French language had always been my passion, and to leave university four years later with joint honours in another language with equal merit felt like such an achievement.