Welcome to June's undergraduate newsletter

We hope you are looking forward to joining us soon and starting your Cass journey. Why not take a look at our guide in ‘Planning for university life: Accommodation, finance, visas and the start of term’ which outlines the key things to think about before starting life at university.

Excited about life in London? Read our article featuring all the things you could be experiencing soon while studying at Cass. Last but not least, as we all know university is about progressing yourself further to embark on a career your passionate about, remember we have a dedicated Career and Skills Development Service which you can take full advantage of from day one, find out more by taking a look at ‘Your route to career success’.

My first year at Cass

Hiren Gohil, Accounting & Finance
 

I always knew I wanted to study Accounting at a London based university, and chose Cass Business School for various reasons: ranking, ICAEW accreditation, and the practical aspects of the course.
 

As soon as I confirmed Cass as my firm choice, I received lots of information from the Admissions team and the University, which helped me immensely and calmed my nerves before starting my studies. I participated in the Cass Buddy Scheme and was assigned a buddy/mentor who was in the year above and studying the same course. My buddy helped me a lot; shared her experiences, gave advice and even sold her text books to me at a good rate. This positive experience inspired me to volunteer to be a buddy for the following year.

The University sent me a freshers’ pack which had loads of information on freshers’ week and various events organised by the Students’ Union to welcome first years. The pack was very informative and had plenty of freebies and vouchers, such as restaurant discounts. I attended all the freshers’ events and it made me realise how diverse Cass is. I have met students from many different backgrounds and cultures, which I believe has really helped to enrich my knowledge and communicative skills.

The first year modules cover the basic principles of accounting and finance, and during this year I have developed my quantitative skills and gained an insight of the financial market and the economy. The lecturers are all experts in their own field and I would advise you to make the most of the help available. The choice of electives offered enables you to define your career journey and branch into any field.
 

At the beginning of the year one of my lecturers said that you have to work hard and play hard, meaning that together with academic learning you have got to participate in extra-curricular activities. Cass presents plenty of opportunities to develop your interpersonal skills through participating in the various clubs and societies which are on offer. I have been part of a number of societies and am an active member of the Hindu society, in which I was recently elected as a treasurer. As Cass is located close to the City of London and has very good links with various firms, there are ample networking opportunities available through society events. For example, I recently attended an event on private banking which was presented by the CEO of JPMorgan Private Bank.

Having just finished my first year of the Accounting and Finance course, I can say with full confidence that Cass has not disappointed me. It has provided a supportive environment and has equipped me with the fundamental knowledge required for my future.

A warm welcome to Cass

The Course Directors for the Business Studies, Management and Actuarial Science programmes at Cass personally welcome you to the School and current students give an insight into their experiences.

 


BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science:

Dr Jaap Spreeuw, Course Director

I am one of the two Course Directors for BSc Actuarial Science. In particular, I deal with some matters affecting Part 2 and Part 3 students. I oversee the process of allocating final year project students to their supervisors, and I also teach some core modules of the degree. It is a pleasure for me to be in charge of a degree involving so many diligent teaching staff.

Umeeta, Year 1  

The brilliance with which Cass professors amalgamate current problems in the financial and insurance industries with actuarial theory and concepts, has made my learning process more vivid and interesting. It has given me an insight into the practicality of actuarial science and I am looking forward to applying these skills in real life situations when I graduate!
 

BSc (Hons) Business Studies:

Dr Joanna Zaleska, Course Director  
Welcome to the Cass BSc Business Studies programme. I look forward to meeting you in September. Our degree provides a solid foundation in all aspects of Business Studies, equipping you with the diverse knowledge and varied skills required for success in business today. Our programme provides the flexibility that allows our students to go on to a wide range of careers. The programme is challenging, but those up for the challenge will find it stimulating and rewarding.

Anna Belven, Year 2
Integrating lectures and material with current market conditions as well as considering students’ opinions, the Business Studies course at Cass always feels highly relevant and has provided me with skills and practices I need to face the global business world with confidence. Being given challenging tasks and interesting topics keeps us students motivated and focused.

BSc (Hons) Management:

Dr Misha Hebel, Course Director
Hello and welcome to this very special BSc Management programme. Why do I think it is special? Well for a start, it embodies a systems thinking approach which considers the connections, relationships and synergies as important as business functions. This approach is rarely found on undergraduate degrees and will give you a head start in the workplace. Secondly, it is special because of the students who come from all over the world, with their many different perspectives and skills. This makes the programme an all round learning experience for teachers as well as students. And finally it is special because of the team of lecturers who teach a range of sophisticated research and analysis techniques that leave our students well equipped to tackle most eventualities. So prepare yourself for some hard work but do so confident in the knowledge that the more you contribute the more you will get out of the course.

Lowe Sporre, Year 2
I like BSc Management because it gives me a broad business foundation and useful tools to solve business problems and make decisions. The methods we learn are useful to entrepreneurs, management consultants, and anyone else who wants to improve a business. I have discussed models from my degree in interviews at companies such as PwC and realised that what we learn is really used in industry. I have friends on the course going into work at all kinds of firms, and I have experienced how strong a reputation Cass has amongst top employers.

Planning for university life: Accommodation, finance, visas and the start of term

Starting at university is an exciting time and requires quite a bit of pre-planning. Here is our guide to the key things to think about before starting life at university.
 
Accommodation & Finance  
Before starting university you will need to confirm your accommodation and finances. For more information about City University London accommodation, please click on the following link: http://www.city.ac.uk/study-at-city/undergraduate/accommodation/halls-of-residence or call +44 (0)20 7040 7040.

It is best to apply for loans and bursaries early to ensure that any money available to you is ready for the start of term. You should also set up a bank account.

Further information:
Home applicants: http://www.slc.co.uk/  
EU applicants: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance/StudentsFromOtherEUCountries/index.htm
International applicants: http://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student/fees_student_support.php

If you have been sent a Fee Status Questionnaire by the University it is very important that you complete and return this as any delay in doing so will prevent you from completing your registration at the start of term.

Registration and Tuition Fees  
During the summer all Unconditional Firm applicants will receive an email from City University inviting them to register online. Please note you will not be sent this email until you have an Unconditional Firm offer.

All registration for 2012 entry should be completed online before joining City. The registration process includes confirming your contact and course details, and paying your tuition fees.

You have the option of paying your first year tuition fee in full, or to pay 50% and set up an instalment agreement whereby you pay the remaining 50% on a set date during the academic year. The 2012 tuition fee will be £9,000 for Home and EU students and £12,500 for International and ELQ students.

Further information on fees is available at:
http://www.city.ac.uk/finance/student_info/payingfees.html

Student visas  
CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) numbers will be issued for all Unconditional Firm International applicants. These are produced by the University electronically and sent directly to the UK Border Agency. You will need to include this information when you make your visa application.

International applicants holding an Unconditional Firm offer will receive an email from the University explaining how to apply for a CAS number. Once this is has been completed you will receive an electronic CAS statement by email, which will include your unique CAS number.

For further information about obtaining a visa, please go to the following link: 
http://www.city.ac.uk/international/international-students/international-student-advice/before-you-leave-home/obtaining-a-visa

If you have an enquiry about your CAS number please contact our Central Admissions Office at: ugadmissions@city.ac.uk.

Start of term and Pre-sessional Maths dates  
The first day of term will be Monday 24 September. The first week is known as Induction Week during which you will be expected to attend various introductory sessions to learn more about your course, as well as social events to meet other students at Cass and collect your university ID card. Formal teaching starts from Monday 1 October.

If you have registered for the Pre-sessional Maths course this will take place from Wednesday 12 September until Friday 21 September.

2013 Deferrals  
If you have applied for deferred 2013 entry you will continue to receive the Cass post offer newsletter from January next year, and will be sent information on the start of term and registration during summer 2013. You are also welcome to contact the team for any queries you might have about your offer at cassug@city.ac.uk.

Your route to career success

Looking forward to starting your degree, after a well earned rest from studying? If you are joining a course at Cass Business School, we’re looking forward to seeing you here in the Career and Skills Development Service at City University London. Many students make contact with us early on in their course and start using our services. We advertise jobs, offer help with putting your CV together, run events with employers and provide plenty of other support with choosing your career and looking for work.

If you are interested in finding a part time or temporary job while you study – always a help if finance is tight – then our Unitemps service is just what you need. We are given details of jobs in the University and also with other employers, so call in to our office when you start your course and register your interest. The experience you can gain from part time jobs can only add to your CV, and you’ll earn money too.

Meanwhile, picture yourself in 5 years time. What are you doing? How can you ensure that your dreams become reality? Whether you see yourself lying on a beach, running your own business, continuing to study or earning good money in your dream job this won’t happen without careful forward planning. Getting a degree does not in itself guarantee success. Happily, we are here to help guide you. We have resources and people who can support and advise you as you progress through your studies and towards your goal.

Our career consultants not only understand the job market for students completing degrees, they have experience of working in industry including recruiting university graduates. That’s practical experience and knowledge you can tap into. You can see what we offer on our website www.city.ac.uk/careers . Some areas are for current students, but there’s still plenty you can access.

Why not look at the examples of jobs and further study that previous Cass Business School students have chosen to move into when they finished their degree? http://www.city.ac.uk/careers/for-students-and-recent-graduates/destinations-of-city-graduates .

Many employers come to City University London because they recognise the quality of our students. From the beginning of term, you will find a packed programme of events on offer and first years are welcome. First up is the Banking Finance and Consultancy Fair, sponsored by Ernst and Young who are attending alongside Bank of England, HSBC, Mercer, PricewaterhouseCoopers and many more. Our popular employability programme – a weekly lunchtime briefing from a guest employer – includes Goldman Sachs covering interviews, Bloomberg revealing how to network and IBM on cracking selection tests.

Enjoy your summer and we hope to see you soon!

Laura Hooke - Career Consultant, City University London

Cass the UK’s No.2 in Guardian University Guide 2013

Cass rose to second position in the UK for undergraduate Business and Management Studies in the Guardian University Guide 2013, announced last month. Cass maintained its position as number one in London for the sixth year running.

According to the Guide, which ranks all UK universities by undergraduate teaching excellence, an impressive 92% of Cass students were satisfied with their course.

The Guide's Business and Management Studies rankings table covers business studies, management studies, finance, accounting, marketing, human resource management and business and administrative studies.

Cliff Oswick, Deputy Dean of the Undergraduate Programme, comments: "We are delighted to see Cass rising to number two in the UK in the Guardian's influential University Guide. This is a confirmation of both our academic excellence and the outstanding student experience that Cass undergraduates enjoy."

London life

University life isn’t just about studying and as a Cass student you will be living in one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in the world. London boasts limitless shops, restaurants, bars, music and sporting venues and you won’t have to stray far from the University to find something to suit your taste and budget.

In the local areas of Islington, Clerkenwell and Shoreditch close to Northampton Square, where the Cass undergraduate programme is based, you will find a huge variety of bars, pubs, cinemas, arts centres and restaurants offering food from a multitude of cultures. Their diverse range means that there is something for everyone.

“When I moved to London I was amazed! Not by the big fancy clubs or the posh bars in the West end but by the diversity and creativity. At the University campus, you are within walking distance of the City with its amazing skyscrapers and its fancy pubs with chandeliers, but after another five minutes walk you end up in Shoreditch with its individual cafes, bars, markets and creative stores!” 
- Bjorn Olsson, BSc Business Studies

Essential services such as supermarkets and banks as well as numerous high-street shops and street markets can be found in the local area of Islington.

A short bus or tube ride away, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and Carnaby Street house some of the most famous stores in Europe. In London's West End you will find theatres offering a wide range of famous shows plus jazz clubs, comedy clubs and some of the best restaurants in the UK. Heading north, Camden has a thriving music scene with many live music venues and a popular market. For sport fans, Arsenal FC’s Emirates Stadium is a couple of stops away on the tube, and the 2012 Olympics will take place close by in East London!

London has a reputation for being expensive, but as a student you will benefit from a wide range of concessions including a 30% discount on travel, cheap entry to club nights and cinemas and discounts in clothing stores. Entry is free to many museums and galleries and London is full of parks and open spaces.

There is definitely something for everyone in London and, whilst we can’t guarantee the weather, we can guarantee a wealth of opportunity and diversity.

Welcome to April's Undergraduate Newsletter

We hope you're looking forward to Summer (and hopefully some sunshine) and to starting your course later this year. In the meantime, we thought we'd send you an update of what is happening at Cass, plus next steps for conditional offer holders in the UCAS process. Also in your April newsletter, find stories from current students about their time at Cass and also a great feature about what students do best. Party!

Starting a course in finance? We offer you a warm welcome with students and lecturers giving their experience studying and teaching in this area. Last but certainly not least, are you an international student? See if your eligible for a Cass International Scholarship.   

My Life at Cass: Akansh Ganeriwala

From a first year to a final year Investment and Financial Risk Management (with Placement) student, my life at Cass has been a memorable journey of self-development, focused teaching and learning, and unbelievable practical exposure. From my perspective, this is why Cass is special and the reason why I would love to come back to Cass for postgraduate studies. It is simply the extra mile Cass has helped me go that distinguishes its quality from other reputed institutions for me.

Life at university was never only about lectures, exams and graduation; it was a step-wise learning process that provided me with exposure to business and entrepreneurship challenges, sporting societies and cultural clubs. Having been a student ambassador, Aim Higher associate, Squash captain, Cricket opening batsman, team-leader in the Social Enterprise Challenge and CIMA Global business challenge, and a team member in City Spark; I feel it’s appropriate for me to say that Cass has given me a lot more than just the knowledge about my degree. At the same time, the Investment and Financial Risk Management degree has given me tremendous insight to the three most important aspects of Finance: Corporate Finance and Investment Valuation, Portfolio Management and risk-return analysis, and Risk Management. The collation of these three areas via various ‘core’ and ‘elective’ modules has surely given me the theoretical knowledge of Finance. Furthermore, the examination structure where practical application of theoretical knowledge is tested with course-work ensured that I not only learned the subjects but understood them as well.

Besides the amazing experiences I was able to gain exposure to, Cass’ placement option allowed me to be amongst the handful students who got the opportunity to attain a placement at HSBC. This one year experience between the penultimate and final year of university surely added tremendous value to my character and professional development. 

Overall, I can only say that university life is one of the best experiences and Cass itself makes this experience even more worthwhile. For all prospective students, I would like to highlight that no one day at Cass will be the same ensuring your time at Cass is not at all monotonous. A typical day is tough to define but from my experience it involves lectures, group coursework, sports and extra-curricular team meetings for the business challenges I took part in. In any spare time, I have acted as a student ambassador and Aim Higher associate helping budding students understand their university decision-making correctly and accurately.

Finally, I would like to conclude with a heartfelt thank you to all the people at Cass who helped make my experience a lifetime memory.

Pre-sessional Maths course

If you have not studied Maths beyond GCSE (or International equivalent), we would strongly recommend that you attend our Pre-sessional Maths course. It is designed to prepare students for the demanding ‘Financial Mathematics & Business Statistics’ module which is a core subject for all students during Year 1 (excluding Actuarial Science).  This module provides students with the statistical and mathematical skills needed to progress through a Cass degree and by the end of the first year all students will be studying maths at an equivalent of A Level standard.

This year the course will take place from 12 - 21 September (please note the change of date).  It is offered free of charge, though students will need to cover the cost of accommodation, travel, food and any other expenses incurred whilst attending the course.

As places are limited pre-booking for this course is essential. Please book your place online by 31 July at: www.cass.city.ac.uk/psmbooking. The Undergraduate Admissions team will contact Unconditional offer holders in late August to confirm the booking and to provide timetable information.

Cass Business Studies student Martin Nielsen attended the Pre-sessional Maths course in 2010:

The course was held in a relaxed environment, even though it was very intense. We went through a new subject every day for eight days. A morning lecture covered the main subject for the day followed up by self-study time, and the day finished with a tutorial in small study groups together with a tutor.

I am very happy that I decided to attend the course. It gave me a reminder of many maths techniques that I had forgotten and I learned a lot of maths terms in English, which helped me to perform better in my first year of study at Cass. Attending the course also gave me the opportunity to meet students from different courses at Cass Business School; friends that I would not have met otherwise.

Cass students know how to party

The student community at Cass is rich in culture and diversity, and there are many ways to meet your fellow students and make new friends, giving you a truly global outlook to academic and social life.  Recently, Cass undergrads gathered for the first official ‘I love Cass’ party.

Around 500 undergraduate students danced the night away at the event which brought students from all years of study together. The party was held at the Kings Club, Chelsea and proved to be a great success.

First year student Hiren Gohil attended the party: "The Cass Undergraduate party at the Kings Club was amazing! It was one of the best social events of the year; the atmosphere was fantastic, and the food was delicious. The party also presented an opportunity to network with second and third year students, and to find out more about their courses and experience. Overall, a great party organised by the Cass Undergraduate team which created a social networking environment together with nightlife entertainment at an exclusive venue."

It is hoped that the party will become an annual event.  Take a look at more photos of the night on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Cassofficial

New Scholarship for International entrants

The new Cass International Scholarship will be offered to international students who are commencing a Cass undergraduate degree in September 2012. The scholarship is worth £2000 towards the cost of the first year's tuition fee and will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence.

To be eligible you must:

• Have your fee status confirmed as overseas.
• Meet the scholarship requirements of A*AA at A-level, one of which must be in Biology, Chemistry, Economics, Further Maths, Physics or Statistics (or international equivalent). Please note BSc Accounting and Finance applicants will need to achieve A*A*A and BSc Actuarial Science applicants will need A*(Maths or Further Maths) A*A. 
• Satisfy the above criteria and apply by the deadline (15th October 2012).

Applicants whose results fall just below these criteria can still apply for the scholarship; in these cases the decisions will be based on the quality of the scholarship statement as well as qualifications on entry. If you are not taking A Levels and wish to check the equivalent scholarship eligibility criteria please contact Cass Undergraduate Admissions at cassug@city.ac.uk.

Applications should be submitted using an on-line form which will include a section for you to describe how receiving the scholarship award will impact on your personal situation and help you to achieve your goals.

If you are an international applicant you will be invited to apply for the scholarship in August 2012, once Cass has received your final results and your place on the course is confirmed.

The deadline for applications will be 15 October 2012 and you will receive the outcome of your application by 31 October 2012.

Further information about all available scholarships can be found on the Cass website: http://www.cass.city.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/funding-your-study.

Finance students: A warm welcome

The Course Directors for the Banking, Investment and Accounting programmes at Cass personally welcome you to the School and current students give an insight into their experiences.

Accounting & Finance

Dr Bala Balachandran, Course Director 

 As your Course Director I am looking forward to welcoming you to the BSc Accounting and Finance programme. You are joining a course that is the only one in London to be accredited by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England Wales. I think this course is special because we teach you what is needed in the City of London, and we equip you with the required employment skills. Not only will you achieve accreditation from the ICAEW but you will also learn relevant topics such as ethics, corporate governance, social and environmental accounting. Your fellow students are from different parts of the world and this will make it a learning experience not only for you but also for your teachers as we are all on a journey of lifelong learning. Your teachers are experts in their own fields and keep up-to-date with relevant and current research. This is no easy degree as you are expected to work hard. What you put in is what you get out.

Hiren Gohil, Accounting & Finance, Year 1 

My first year has been great so far! The course has fulfilled my expectations; the modules are very practical and give an insight into accounting, economics, and financial markets as well as laying a solid foundation for second and third year. The teaching style takes into account the leap from A Levels to degree and the exemptions from the ICAEW will be a massive plus point upon successful completion of my degree. The choice of electives gives a nice mix to the course and the opportunity to learn a new language.

Banking & International Finance

Dr Maria Carapeto, Course Director 

A warm welcome! I have been at the Business School for almost 12 years and always thought the BSc Banking and International Finance degree provided an extremely good balance of topics and teaching approach, with the right combination of theoretical foundations and practical applications. So no wonder that when the opportunity to become the Course Director from January 2006 materialised, I immediately jumped at it.

The degree is extremely flexible as it covers banking, finance and economics, with an international flavour. Our modules are current and specialised, taught by well-renowned experts and fostered by state of the art facilities, including dealing rooms and reputable databases. As such, employment opportunities are excellent and you should expect to secure a job in the exciting Corporate Advisory & Financial Services Industry, e.g., the government and regulators, banks, funds, consultancies, accountancies, and international companies.

Amarjit Ghuldu, Banking & International Finance, Year 1 

The first year of Banking & International Finance has exceeded my expectations. I have been supported in all aspects and Cass provides me with the facilities to further my knowledge both in an academic and social context; with the social side being catered for by the many societies available!

Investment & Financial Risk Management

Dr Sotiris K. Staikouras, Course Director 

I have been the Course Director for IFRM since 1998, and despite the demanding nature of the role, I enjoyed every single year working with my students and colleagues to build these world-class degrees. With the rapid expansion of modern financial markets and the ever increasing need for competent and knowledgeable graduates, corporations around the world need people with pertinent qualifications. The degree offers a variety of specialisations without compromising its great diversity: you can study areas such as equity investment, insurance, bond markets, property investment, portfolio management, corporate law, real estate valuation, financial institutions management and many more. Students will be given the option to tailor their qualification by specialising in numerous areas through a choice from over forty elective courses. Graduates of these degrees will be in high demand for a variety of jobs ranging from property and insurance firms to investment banking.

Akansh Ganeriwala, Investment & Financial Risk Management (with Placement), Year 4

Investment and Financial Risk Management is a degree amalgamating three of the most important aspects of Finance: Corporate Finance, Portfolio Management and Risk Management. With a clear focus on developing the student’s theoretical and practical knowledge of these subjects, this is the ideal degree for aspiring Finance graduates looking to enter the Banking industry.

Next issue: A warm welcome to Business Studies, Management and Actuarial Science students.

Information for Conditional offer-holders

If you are holding a Conditional offer it’s very important that you read the offer text on UCAS Track to check exactly what is required of you and whether you need to send any previously obtained qualification documents to Cass.  We often make offers where one of the conditions is to send proof of qualifications obtained by a set date.

If you have been asked to send proof of qualifications by 30^th April, you should now send these to Cass as a matter of urgency. If you have sent your results to Cass in the last few days you do not need to take any further action, and an acknowledgement email will be sent to you shortly.

You should send a clear copy of the relevant final certificate or transcript as originals cannot be returned. Statements of provisional results can only be accepted up to six months from the date of issue.

Please send a copy of your certificate or transcript to the Cass Admissions team, by post or email:

Cass Undergraduate Admissions

E302 Drysdale Building

City University London

Northampton Square

London

EC1V 0HB

Email cassug@city.ac.uk

Please include your UCAS Personal ID number in any correspondence.  We will send you an email to confirm receipt of the documents.

If for any reason you are not able to provide this information, please email the Admissions team at: cassug@city.ac.uk.

Attend a Cass Masterclass

Offer holders in France, Germany, and South Korea may wish to attend one of the Masterclass lectures. This event will provide you with the opportunity to attend a Cass academic lecture and informally speak with members of the Cass recruitment team.

For more information and to book your place at this event, please email emily.mancuso.1@city.ac.uk

Welcome to March's Undergraduate Newsletter

We hope you're looking forward to Spring and to starting your course later this year. In the meantime, we thought we'd send you an update of what is happening at Cass, plus your next steps in the UCAS process. Also in your March newsletter, find stories from current students and an alumni, providing you with some food for thought when accepting your university offers. Could you be the next Cass student spending a study year abroad or being one of our student ambassadors?


Our next Visit Days are on Wednesday 7 March and Wednesday 4 April. Be sure to come and see for yourself what life is like at Cass.

Cass – your route to career success

Cass has an exceptional graduate recruitment record and completing your degree here will place you in a 25,000 strong business network of alumni from all over the world. Cass alumnus Miles Nolan explains here how his Cass degree has helped to shape his career:

I have always had a strong interest in the Stock Market, and it was with this in mind that I chose to follow my passion and move from Leeds to London to expand my knowledge.

When choosing a university I was keen to target one with a good history and solid academic results, and I opted for a very specific Investment-related degree at Cass (known as City University Business School until 2002).

Since graduating in 1998 I started my career at the Investors Chronicle, the UK’s leading personal finance magazine. Owned by the Financial Times, the role was extremely rewarding, with my capacity as ‘Smaller Companies Editor’ allowing me great access to senior company management. I travelled to a number of countries including China, Libya, the US and much of Europe.

After a good seven-year stint I left to join a private client stockbroker as a buy-side analyst, which allowed me to build my contact base as I explored investment opportunities on behalf of clients. It was effectively a process of putting into practice what I had been theorising over as a journalist.

My career then progressed and I spent time as a fund manager, principally covering VCT stocks and smaller companies. From here I went on to work in corporate finance for a Qatari bank (though based in London) and also had a stint as a corporate broker, helping small companies raise much needed equity capital.

Having spent six years away from journalism, I returned to my passion in 2010 as Editor of Growth Company Investor. The role involves acting as a ‘brand ambassador’ for the monthly title, while also managing and leading the content for the magazine. It is a leading voice on growth companies, listed on the London Stock Market and every month we provide informative and insightful share recommendations. Columns include ‘Pick of AIM’ and Directors Dealings, as well as a number of informative news pieces. Growth Company Investor is currently undertaking a major re-design, which will also lead to the launch of a new app.

I look back at my time spent at Cass fondly. It allowed me to forge new life-long friendships, and has helped me develop a successful career.

My Life at Cass

Written by Umeeta, Year 1, BSc (Hons) Actuarial Science.

As an international student, deciding to come to England for undergraduate studies was a pivotal decision. I wanted a place that was not only academically reputable but culturally diverse too. Cass was therefore my indubitable choice. Its proximity to London’s financial district, not only provides immense networking opportunities but an experienced faculty too.

After I confirmed my offer of admission, the undergraduate admissions team were in constant contact and answered all my queries regarding my visa application, student accommodation and tuition fees. As a result I was prepared for settling in a new city; furthermore the induction week at the start of the academic year provided all the essential information regarding the course, student facilities, student banking and amazing student discounts offered all over London.

As Actuarial Science is a challenging programme, I have a busy routine. Every morning starts with reading the Financial Times which is provided free of charge to all Cass undergraduates. My classes comprise of lectures, tutorials and practice labs. In between classes, I like to catch up on my work and study in the library. The teaching methods at Cass are specialised to cater to the needs of a multitude of students who come from diverse academic backgrounds. Aside from lectures, exercise classes and tutorials provide a chance to learn more about the subject and catch up on the additional practice material. The teaching staff and course officers are always willing to help and contribute towards the learning process. The amount of individual attention given to each student distinguishes Cass from other academic institutions.

But Cass offers more than just challenging academics; depending on one’s interest there is a wide range of clubs and societies to join. I am a member of the Finance, Actuarial and Cass Women in Business societies. Cass also regularly conducts talks and networking events with professionals from leading business firms.

I have completed my 1^st term as a year 1 student and so far Cass has been an incredible experience in terms of learning, meeting people across the financial industry and making new friends.

Cass student gets set for the Olympics

With the Olympic Games taking place in London over the summer, it’s not only the athletes that are preparing for the biggest sporting event in the world. Katherine Mou, a 3rd year Business Studies student will be representing London at the Games as a volunteer, officially known as a ‘Games Maker’.

Katherine applied to be part of the games in the summer of 2011. With a record number of 250,000 applications, competition was tough, but Katherine was successful in gaining an interview and later went on to secure her role, one of only 70,000 positions available. 

Katherine will be working the entire two week duration of the games, based at the Olympic village in Stratford, East London. Her role will include welcoming millions of visitors to the games, as well as answering questions and queries, directing ticket holders to event venues and acting as a friendly face. Training started in early February at Wembley arena along with 10,000 other Games Makers, only 5% of the whole games workforce! 

Excited about her role in the Games, Katherine feels that her time at Cass in and out of the classroom really helped her in being able to convey her enthusiasm and commitment to the role. ‘I’ve developed excellent team building skills from working with a variety of different people on my course, especially on big projects such as group coursework. I also work as a Cass Student Ambassador, a customer facing role where I often represent the School at Open Days, answering any questions and queries potential students may have. This experience definitely helped me win my place at the Games. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be able to live and study here and to represent my City.’

With her graduation ceremony taking place a week before the Games, Katherine has an exciting summer to look forward to. After the summer, Katherine hopes to go on to secure a graduate scheme in either Marketing or Market Research in London, and has the opportunity to work in Hong Kong at a later date.