My first term so far has been an amazing experience with daily opportunities to develop myself and learn something new. Nothing is static at ICMA, modules move with the flow of the new era of digitalisation, professors are always delivering the needed information under the right approach, and you – a student who is constantly shaping its future career.
Now a little bit about me: my name is Catalina, I’m 22 years old and graduated from the Bucharest University of Economic Studies. I won the BUES Scholarship – which offered me the chance to study at one of the most prestigious universities from the finance perspective – ICMA Centre and pursuing the MSc Investment Management degree. This is a great opportunity for those who plan to take the CFA exam since it is incorporated in this Master’s programme and you can be a candidate for the level I exam. Alongside my studies, which involves daily reading and working on assignments for the four modules undertaken this term, I also benefit with unconditional support from the Careers Team through one-to-one appointments or the Industry Insights events, where people from the financial sector come to deliver us speeches and network with us. Moreover, I have applied to be a Course Representative for Investment Management which facilities my interaction with students and staff.
My first term experience is not only about ICMA, about studying, networking and being a course representative, my life here means much more, since I have the chance to be part of a lot of societies and make friends. I became the Public Relations Manager for the Reading University Investment Society and I would encourage everyone to take part in as many extra-curricular activities as possible and profit from all the resources this University can offer: library, dealing rooms, Bloomberg and Thomson Reuters and many others which I will let you discover.
Exploring the beautiful campus is another activity which I enjoy or discussing with my friends. In short living in campus is the best way to experience the student life, especially that Whiteknights Campus location is so close to London where you can go for the weekend.
Finally, even though the whole process is challenging, it is really worth it. It was the greatest change that I encountered so far and the most beneficial from all the perspectives. It is an honour for me to be part of the ICMA Centre and I would encourage everyone to take part in this journey and enjoy the flow.