Susan Best BA French and German

Property Banker

Hi, I'm Susan Best and I studied BA French and German within Humanities at the University of Southampton.

While at university, I sat on several committees which turned out to be a good experience. At work you’re always sitting round tables and having meetings with agendas. It’s invaluable to learn how to do that early on.

French and German graduate Suzi works as a property banker managing £40m loans for commercial real estate. She is sure her degree helps her successfully transact negotiations with major overseas clients as her knowledge of their countries can contribute to signing a deal.

“I enjoyed being able to choose my modules at university, I know about French and German history, culture, politics and economics so I relate better to clients,” she explains.

Suzi came to banking after several jobs. She trained as a lawyer after graduation, then worked at the BBC before becoming an trainee credit analyst.

“My languages have been very useful when it comes to getting jobs,” she says. “I now have a recruitment agent who helps with my career. They always say it’s easy finding jobs for me because of my French and German. Oddly enough, although employers say they want me because of my languages, I often don’t get to use them.

“While at university, I sat on several committees which turned out to be a good experience. At work you’re always sitting round tables and having meetings with agendas. It’s invaluable to learn how to do that early on.”