Could you sum up your experience of Economics at Warwick?

Making the links with a range of other subjects from business and politics to psychology and geography, along with the application of mathematical and statistical techniques, made the degree intellectually stimulating and highly interesting. The structure of the course meant I was able to absorb a breadth of knowledge for the first year of my course and then specialise in the later years. I thoroughly enjoyed my three years studying Economics at Warwick and I was very pleased to obtain a first class degree.

How did the course and department prepare you for life beyond graduation?

Obtaining an Economics degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the country means that you significantly boost your chances of joining some of the best graduate programmes. Throughout the course, I was intellectually challenged and strongly improved in my ability to analyse information, apply concepts and write critically.

I appreciate the number of group projects I was involved in during my three years as it prepared me for some of the situations that I now face when completing team projects at work, for example, with respect to delegating tasks and conflict management. The final year dissertation not only developed my research and econometric skills, but also my ability to plan a project and to be creative.

What have you been doing since graduation?

I graduated in June 2015 and started my job at Mars Inc. in September 2015. I will be changing roles in September 2016 and will be relocating to another country in Europe.

What steps did you take to find employment?

I started early – applied for work experience and internships, looked at The Times Top 100 list, attended careers fairs, attended networking events and company presentations, used student societies to find out what opportunities were available, and looked at company websites to get a feel for the industry and culture.

What does your current job involve?

I’m on the European Finance Development Programme at Mars Inc., which involves three one year placements covering Financial Control, Supply Finance and Demand Finance, one of which will be abroad. I’m currently six months into my first role as an Overheads and Accounting Analyst at Mars Chocolate UK. There are two main parts to my job:

1. Overheads – Budget reporting, forecasting and analysis for Corporate Affairs, Legal, Field Sales and Display & Equipment.
2. Cash – Forecasting and reporting, on a short-term and long-term basis. I am also currently working on a project to improve the way in which we forecast cash.

In addition, I am studying for the Chartered Institute of Management Accounting (CIMA) qualification along-side my job.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give to current students?

An economics degree opens more doors than you would think. Ensure you think long and hard about choosing the industry and career that is right for you, and one that you will enjoy.