Cass Business School Student Profile
International student Mawunyo Dotse is currently studying for a degree in Banking and International Finance at Cass Business School, City University London. He talked about what being a student at Cass is like, and explained what his degree involves. The course is fantastic for anybody aspiring to start a successful career in the competitive world of business and finance. As part of the degree you also get the opportunity to gain a year of practical experience in industry. Read on to find out what life is all about at Cass.
Why City?
City University was my first choice because of the great reputation that Cass Business School has as 3rd in the UK for business and finance degrees. I’m originally from Ghana and lived in Sheffield before, but have always wanted to live in a city like London for the major business industry and links to global companies. Therefore, Cass appealed to me because it’s in central London and close to the major businesses and banks.
The course I am studying also offers a placement year within industry with a range of companies. I secured a placement at the Bank of England which I chose for its renowned reputation in economics.
How’s the course?
I’m enjoying it a lot, though the modules are pretty difficult. But, you do get lots of help from lecturers, which lightens the load. I’m interested in current events and there’s much involvement in them on the course. It can be very demanding and coursework does tend to pile up towards the end of the year, but I have learnt time management skills as part of my degree.
How’s life in London?
Living in London is great; I love it because there’s always something going on, like festivals and parades. When I’m not studying, I go to comedy clubs and nightclubs with friends from university. I spent the first year living in student halls, but now I live in private accommodation close to campus.
What can students gain from this course?
I learnt accounting, which I’d never done before, so this was an advantage. Accounting is used in all modules so it’s important to have a good understanding of it. The course improves everything about you, and you even learn about networking through social events where students meet important people including executives, who usually give you their business cards. This is a good way to make contacts in the business world, because if someone remembers you it might help your career in the future. My confidence improved through meeting people from different countries and cultures; by speaking with them you get to find out more about the world.
What about diversity amongst the students; is it easy to make friends?
Yes, the course is very diverse and has people from all continents so there’s international students as well as British, and lots of different languages. This is all very useful for future careers, it helps you to identify with others. It’s easy to make friends on the course – I met half of my friends here.
5 year/long-term plans?
I’m undecided right now as the course is very general and covers all aspects of business, but this is good because it leaves all doors open and I’ll have the opportunity to pursue any career path. Right now I’m keeping my options open, but I’m interested in maybe working for Corporate Finance Consultancy firms. My dream would be to work in New York City, but I’ll apply for jobs everywhere so I can go travelling.
What’s the plan for after graduation?
Maybe I’ll apply for a graduate program with a company somewhere, and I’ll also apply abroad, but I do aim to make it to New York! Doing business allows you to travel as part of the job, which is one of the reasons why I wanted to do the course.
By Mena Farag
For more information about Cass Business School visit www.cass.city.ac.uk/undergrad/index.html
