Ali Abbas BSc Economics with Finance2015
Hi, I'm Ali Abbas and I studied BSc Economics with Finance within Social Sciences: Economics at the University of Southampton.
The initiatives that Southampton undertakes to help students find internships and placements in my opinion give proof of a genuine interest displayed by the University in the professional lives of its students.
Q: Why did you choose to study at Southampton?
Southampton University is one of the top universities in the UK and part of the prestigious Russell group. Besides that, its Economics faculty is highly regarded and constantly scores very high on student satisfaction surveys.
Q: Are there lots of opportunities/places to socialise and relax here? (Clubs and societies)
Southampton University offers a wide variety of clubs and societies. Each of them are highly varied, each therefore tailored or suited to each individuals preferences. Besides that, the University hosts a number of different seminars, lectures or various themed social gatherings which gives the students plenty of chances to relax and socialise with others.
Q: What is your opinion about the University’s efforts to increase the flexibility of degree programmes and introduce more choice for personalised learning?
Increasing the flexibility of the degree programmes is a step in the right direction, especially in these times. Flexibility programmes better equip the students to apply their skills in a range of different professions, which significantly increases their chances of getting employment or even initiating their own start up’s. More choices for personalised learning again help in highlighting the right skills in the right people. Instead of having a sea of people, all learning the same things regardless of the fact that some are more suited for that particular learning theme than the others, you now would have each individual maximising his or her own potential by applying themselves in which they have a high aptitude.
Q: What is your opinion of support available for students on campus in terms of pastoral support, health services and student safety?
The University of Southampton, in my experience so far, takes the issue of student health and safety very seriously. The University wastes no time in informing its students of any particular safety issues or events that might have or have a possibility of happening, through its various communication channels. The health service is also a very organized sector run by the university, which is designed to accommodate as many students, and as quickly, as the situation allows, as it can.
Q: Does the University help its students get ready for employment?
The University provides us with ample opportunities to equip us with all the tools that are necessary to undertake employment.
Q: The University helps students find placements and internships to complement their studies, is this good thing?
It is a very good thing. Getting employment has become so competitive that almost every major employer now uses the platform of internships to weed out the most suitable of candidates to fill its positions. The initiatives that Southampton undertakes to help students find internships and placements in my opinion give proof of a genuine interest displayed by the University in the professional lives of its students.
Q: What are the benefits of living in halls?
Socialising, especially being a fresher, becomes much easier when you live in halls. Besides that, every hall has a JCR committee that is responsible for organizing events for all the occupants of the halls. These events again help people relax, and give fresher’s a chance to increase their social circle as well as dip their palates into the night life and the general atmosphere of Southampton.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
My plans for my future include seeking experience in the Banking sector, and trying to convert that to seek employment in the United Kingdom as well.