Shannon Baker
Auditor
I believe the Accounting and Financial Management course sets you up extremely well for a career no matter what area of finance you want to go into (even if you decide that's not accountancy).
I think the placement year is an invaluable experience that ended up getting me a job that I had confirmed before I went back to final year. An amazing feeling! It gives you the chance to try out careers before you have to commit to a long term graduate scheme. I think the lecturers are fantastic and always so willing to give up their time to help you. It has given me 5 exemptions from professional examinations and I use a lot of the things I learnt in my job on a day to day basis.
Post 16 Education: A Levels Maths, Geography & Business Studies
Higher Education: BSc (Hons) Accounting and Financial Management
Why did you choose to study Business?
I was always unsure of what I wanted to do, I never had any particular subject I was interested in at school nor did I have any specific talent in a certain area. I was always stronger at the maths-based subjects and I began to develop an interest in business from around 16/17ish. I then did some work experience in an accountancy firm and really enjoyed it and I went from there.
I went for the course at Loughborough based on the modules offered and the fact they offered so much support with finding a placement year along with the campus itself.
The subject is surprisingly broad in comparison with what I expected, you cover all aspects of business today including Law, Psychology of business, accounting, financial management (banking) and marketing etc, and there is a lot of scope to tailor your degree to things that you're interested in which is great as I had no idea when I first started what I wanted to do.
Shannon’s experience as a student
University was an incredible experience, I had some of the highest highs but also some tough times too. Overall, I feel so lucky to have been privileged enough to attend Loughborough University. The experience really is one of a kind and it is a chapter of my life I will never forget and will be forever grateful for.
Shannon’s Career
I am now working as an Auditor in an Accountancy and Financial Services firm called Kreston Reeves LLP. They are a Top-25 firm based in London, Kent and Sussex.
I am studying towards my ACA qualification to become a chartered accountant and have completed the first 6 exams in this.
Shannon's advice
Definitely look at all your options - don't just assume that everyone has to go to university as that's not the case. As much as I loved my time at uni as a whole, it's definitely not for everyone so do your research to ensure you end up where you will be happiest.
I would definitely recommend staying on top of your work and ask as many questions as you need to - no question is a stupid question and you'll be better off in the exams! Also - try and pick subjects you're interested in, rather than what you think will impress universities (apart from when you need a specific one to get onto a course) - it will make your time much more enjoyable.
Loughborough University offers undergraduate degrees in the following areas:
Accounting and Financial Management, Finance and Management, Business Analytics, International Business, Management, Marketing and Management, Economics, Business Economics and Finance, Economics and Management.
All Loughborough’s degrees offer the opportunity to include a professional placement as an integral part of the degree.