José Manuel Enciso Ordaz MSc International Banking and Financial Studies, 2018
Mexican
I am most enjoying being surrounded by students and lecturers with an abiding passion for solving the current puzzles of the banking system.
Why did you choose to come and study at Southampton?
The fact that topics such as financial risk management, securitisation, econometrics and capital management are covered in the curriculum, makes the MSc in International Banking one of the most challenging and well-balanced programmes in its field. It's up-to-date as per the current market exigencies of the 21st century risk manager.
What is it like studying here?
As a student at the University of Southampton, I realised that there is not a unique way to answer a problem, not all is black or white. On the contrary, every theory has its pros and cons, so critical thinking is encouraged by lecturers so as to make students successful decision makers.
What are you enjoying most about your course?
I am most enjoying being surrounded by students and lecturers with an abiding passion for solving the current puzzles of the banking system.
Have you taken advantage of any extra opportunities outside of your course?
I have also studied German as a third language as well as participating in different student societies (e.g. the Mexican society, Salsa society), have given me the opportunity to meet people from different fields which enriched my view of the fascinating research that is currently being developed at the university.
How has your time at Southampton helped you to grow as a person?
The diversified and friendly university community has helped me to develop my networking skills. Similarly, the coursework is also designed to enhance teamwork and adaptability skills, in order to improve our flexibility when it comes to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
How do you rate study facilities at the University?
The University does make sure that everyone has the adequate environment, tools and resources to facilitate the students' learning. Both the library and labs provide the students everything they need for their research and coursework.
What are your plans and/or ambitions after you graduate?
Apart from getting a job, I will attempt to study a part-time PhD in Finance.
What advice would you give to a student starting their degree at Southampton?
Explore the School and the SUSU website every day; there are tons of interesting activities that are held across the university where you can try new exciting things and make friends.