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Developing a good work ethic, resilience and determination whilst being taught by top academics and supported by talented classmates have all helped Nicola to secure her dream job at Lloyds.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

When I made the decision to immigrate from South Africa to the UK after finishing high school, I felt drawn to Scotland. My grandfather had grown up in Fife and, although I had never met him, I wanted to be close to his hometown and his surviving relatives.

My choice to study at the University of Edinburgh was ultimately a very easy choice. I recall googling ‘top universities in Scotland’ and the University of Edinburgh was the first listed. I clicked images and, in an instant, I fell in love with the historic architecture of Old College, the modern look of the Business School and the lush green surroundings that the University was immersed in.

I never thought I would be accepted so I ended up applying twice to the University of Edinburgh – both business courses – to ‘double’ my chances and because I truly wanted to pursue my passion in business. While I chose to study at the University of Edinburgh’s Business School because of its prestige and reputation, I had no idea how grateful I would be for making that decision. The Business School has exceeded my every expectation.

Tell us about your career path after graduating?

I graduated in June 2022. To be honest, in the summer of 2021, I was incredibly worried. I had not secured a summer internship in my third year which I believed (at the time) would be the defining factor in getting a job after graduation (spoiler alert: it isn’t).

However, in December 2021, after fielding several rejections, I was lucky enough to make it through to the final assessment day for Lloyds, for a position on their finance graduate programme. I knew as soon as I finished the assessment day that I wanted to work there – the people, the culture and the programme itself sounded incredible.

When I got the call from Lloyds informing me that I had been accepted onto their programme, I was speechless. I truly couldn’t believe that I had landed my dream job. I started the job in September 2022 where I have been working in my first finance placement, while studying towards the Chartered Accountancy qualification.

Upon reflection, there is no doubt in my mind that this all would not have been possible had I not studied at the University of Edinburgh Business School. I was privileged to be taught by the top academics in their field, while surrounded by supremely talented classmates. They all taught me the importance of a good work ethic, resilience, and determination. All which assisted me in landing my dream job.

How has your degree prepared you for your career so far?

I think most clearly my degree demonstrated to me the importance of thinking critically and, frankly, just putting in the work.

In my first year, I was privileged enough to take Dr Sarah Ivory’s course on Global Challenges for Business. I remember almost failing my first assignment in this course because I gave a very surface level answer. While I received what I considered ‘harsh’ feedback at the time, this really lit a fire within me. I spent an embarrassingly long time on my final assignment in that course. However, I came away from that course feeling like, no matter what my final grade was, I had taken away what I believe was her key learning outcomes – think critically and put in the work.

Four years on, I would like to believe I am still putting these lessons to good use in my career – I love to go the extra mile, I tend to ask lots of questions, and I remain cautious of accepting anything at face value. That said, I still have a long way to go to think as critically as Dr Sarah Ivory herself!

What key thing that you learnt at the Business School have your found most useful?

Make the most of every opportunity. In my four years, I think I only skipped a handful of lectures and tutorials. I went to professors’ contact hours and asked an embarrassing number of questions. I took part in Business School competitions like Make Your Mark and joined extracurricular activities like Accountancy pals and 180DC. I truly believe that if you have the privilege of getting a world class education, you should take every opportunity to get the most out of it.

What is your proudest work-related achievement to date?

I am honestly not sure if it even counts but I think receiving the WV Stevens Prize at my graduation is my proudest work-related achievement to date. I was genuinely so surprised and honoured – there were so many of my peers who were so deserving of the prize and who worked as hard (and even harder) than I did so I didn’t even think I would be considered for the prize.

Admittedly, I did spend a lot of time at the library so to have those hours pay off was very rewarding. However, a lot of credit goes to my friends who stuck it out with me in the library, I don’t think I would have done it had they not been such great company.

Alumni wisdom - if you could offer one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?

Take Sunday off. This seriously was a life changer. In my fourth year, our flat instituted a rule where Sundays were off limits for university work. I think too often at university your course work runs into the weekend and it can feel like you really have no time for yourself. So, make Sunday YOUR day, go out and enjoy what Edinburgh has to offer. This also really pushes you to manage your time more effectively, ie work harder in the week so you can have time on Sunday to reset. I seriously loved this rule as it made me try new things and cherish the little time I had left with my friends, without making me feel like I was procrastinating.