Proud to call myself an alumni of The University of Sheffield

After doing an undergraduate programme in Economics at the University of Sheffield, I was spoilt for choice when it came to choosing my masters and settled for an MSc Business Finance and Economics.

Coming from a strong background in Economics, this was an ideal path for me due to my interest in the finance side of business, management and economics.

Lecturers put in a conscious effort to express diverse views on each topic, which equipped us with the skill set of being able to develop well-rounded knowledge and enabling informed decision making.

Sanaya Knowles

MSc Business Finance and Economics

The core modules in the course extensively build on the fundamentals in economic analysis, business, finance, quantitative skills as well as cognitive abilities to analyse and critical thinking.

These adequately prepared and guided me towards the optional module, advanced macro econometrics, which is now a strong academic skill I possess.

Student support

Economics-related degrees are demanding, where each module has its own unique approach even though they are all associated. However, with the facilities we have available, it becomes a lot less daunting.

Within the Department of Economics, the support system available is superb. All members of staff are willing to go the extra mile to assist their student’s queries, whether it is academic or personal-related.

Lecturers put in a conscious effort to express diverse views on each topic, which equipped us with the skill set of being able to develop well-rounded knowledge and enabling informed decision making.

I spent a lot of time at the libraries, where there is access to infinite resources which can be used as and when needed by the students. The Information Commons and The Diamond are open 24 hours, and they have multiple areas which can be used for self-silent study, group discussions or for the high tech computer labs.

With the Department, I had the chance to chair the Postgraduate Student-Staff Forum. It involved communication with the entire student body, meetings with members of the staff and fellow students to openly discuss faculty-wide issues.

Concerns from both the students and staff were presented, alongside potential changes to implement, in order to satisfy the requests from both sides. The initiative and the willingness to constantly improve is very reassuring.

Student life and societies

In terms of peers, I have made ‘friends for life’ but I have also been pushed academically by being surrounded by such bright-minded individuals, from diverse multicultural backgrounds.

The International Cultural Evening, which I attended for four years straight, gives an insight of all the different cultures The University of Sheffield accommodates. It’s an evening full of music, dance, colour and appreciation.

Coming from Kenya, I call Sheffield my ‘home away from home’. The transition for me was very easy since the city itself and the University campus have so much to offer within walking distance.

Our Students’ Union offers a wide range of societies, over 370, to join such as sports, music, cultural, academic, political and volunteering. It also hosts popular events which are a big part of student life here in Sheffield.

The Economics Society, which I have been a member for, hold enjoyable socials where like-minded course mates have an opportunity to mingle outside of the university setting. The end of year ball is also a must.

I am very proud to call myself an alumni of The University of Sheffield. It’s been a long road, but so worth it. Saying that I have learnt so much is an understatement. I am looking forward to the next step, a career in the FinTech industry, and I will always hold the University and the city of Sheffield close to my heart.