2012
Second year business studies student Emily Curson-Baker had always imagined that she would pursue studies in zoology or other related subjects, until she discovered that she had a natural flair for business and finance.
“Some family members pointed out that I'd made some wise investments when I came into some inheritance and I realised I had a business brain. The business studies course strongly appealed to me, with its wide variety of subjects, from economics and marketing to law. I have found my niche in Finance.
“I enjoy working with figures, solving problems, and I love the fact that there is always an exact answer.
“Business studies provide a solid understanding of the workplace in general, from human resources to strategies. This year marketing was a core subject and I was surprised to find I really enjoy it.
“We had six compulsory units in our first year to build a solid business foundation. I’ve worked really hard because I believe that if you work hard in your first year, you will only need to work a little bit harder in your second year to get the same good grades. Some of my friends had just been working a minimum to get a pass in year one, but the reality is that they struggled this year because they didn't build a good foundation. There’s nothing like having a proper base. University is all about you, it’s about what you want, so if you want to make the most of it I’d recommend working hard!”
Emily is delighted to have just been offered a placement in Southampton for her final year. “I had started to look for a final year placement last September before returning from our summer break, but year two was such a step up! I had to juggle my studies and work commitments and missed several deadlines for placement opportunities.
"At one point I was worried that I wouldn’t get a placement, but my tutor gave me some gentle, positive encouragement and it made all the difference. My tutors are always very helpful.”
Emily explains that she found a placement thanks to a careers fair in Southampton: “I went along with my CV and several companies showed an interest in me, after a few interviews I was really pleased to accept a position with the NHS. The placement runs over the whole year and I’m really looking forward to it!
“Our tutors visit us when we are on placement in order to ensure that we are making the most of it while employers set us objectives and we work to meet them– we also have to produce a portfolio for our course.
“I’m already two years into the course and I can’t believe that I’m already going to start my placement; it’s going to be a wonderful opportunity.
"I’m still over the moon about getting a finance related placement- I wasn’t certain that I'd get it but I did! You’ve just got to work for it and believe that you can do it.”