I visited Bath for an Open Day due to the University’s reputation and consistent high rankings. The welcoming atmosphere, employment prospects and top sports facilities struck me and helped to make my decision.

I chose Accounting and Finance at Bath due to the course’s structure. An introduction to a range of key topics included economics, computing and statistics. Flexibility in the later years meant I could study a variety of topics including HR, sustainability, audit and strategy - and go on placement.

My placement was in audit for EY. Working on a range of technology and media clients, I engaged with senior finance personnel from the start and had lots of responsibility. A highlight was visiting the London Stock Exchange to watch the announcement for my main FTSE 250 client.

I also started my ACA qualification during my placement. I found that the accounting modules I’d studied on my course really prepared me for this.

While applying for my placement I got to meet current employees at on-campus events. I was able to build an understanding of the role and culture there because of this. EY ran one of our Professional Development Programme sessions, giving advice on their assessment centre, while the Placements Team gave me one-on-one interview practice. I really was fully prepared.

EY made me a graduate offer as a result of my placement, so I was able to really focus on my studies in my final year. They also let me defer my offer so could have a year of travelling before returning.

The course was challenging, but fellow students and staff were fantastic and supportive. Most of the coursework was group-based, so I learnt lots from others and discovered my own strengths and weaknesses.

The teaching focused on current issues, linking what we were learning to the real world. Because of this everything had context, making it enjoyable and relatable.

I gained so much from the course and the University as a whole. The modules gave me great understanding in all the key areas relevant to me and my future. On top of this, my placement put what I learnt into context, increased my confidence and got my career started.

A degree alone has limited worth now in the graduate market. My BSc in Accounting and Finance gave me the relevant knowledge, crucial skills and vital experience for the first steps of my career.

Bath is an amazing city to live in and the on-campus sports facilities are exceptional. I remember running next to Olympic athletes in the gym and bumping into the England Rugby team at the Sports Training Village.

The people and the atmosphere on campus and in the town made my four years the best ever.