Zain-A-Hasnain Shabbir BSc Economics and Actuarial Science, 2019

Trainee ACA Accountant, PKF Littlejohn

The University of Southampton is an incredible place to study, with amazingly talented, approachable lecturers and teaching assistants who care about you succeeding in your degree

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

The University of Southampton was the only university that offered ‘Economics and Actuarial Science’ as a joint honours degree which allowed me to keep as many doors open as possible for me to decide what I would like to do as a career.

What is Southampton like as a place to study?

The University of Southampton is an incredible place to study, with amazingly talented, approachable lecturers and teaching assistants who care about you succeeding in your degree. As well as this, there is a lively and social campus which allows for a pleasant environment to be yourself and enjoy your time at University.

What did you enjoy most about your course?

I enjoyed the vast range of modules that we could choose from different faculties, including languages, science or law modules within my degree.

What opportunities did you take up within your degree and how have they helped your personal development?

I was fortunate enough to become a course representative in my third year. This game me a chance to make a positive impact on the modules and improve them for future years, by discussing feedback from students, lecturers and heads of departments.

What other activities did you take advantage of while at University?

I was fortunate to be part of the Actuarial Society, organising the annual Actuarial Careers Fair, as well as inviting high-profile firms to deliver regular student talks. I was also part of the Bloomberg Trading Suite, showing and teaching students the software.

What are you up to now and what’s your ambition?

I am currently working as a Trainee Chartered Accountant at PKF Littlejohn and hope to qualify in the coming years!

What advice would you give to a new student?

Make sure you make the most of any opportunity that comes your way, and enjoy you time here. The friends you make at University tend to be friends you keep for the rest of your life, so make sure you have some great memories to reminisce on!