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Thalia Bloundele

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Thalia has managed to achieve her dream job at Ernst & Young thanks to an amazing University and placement experience.

Teesside’s campus has had such an amazing make-over with students in mind.

Thalia Bloundele  Bloundele

Why accounting and finance?

I chose accounting and finance because I’ve always enjoyed maths but I wanted to study something more varied than just maths by itself. It’s always been my goal to be a partner in an accounting firm and I needed a degree to do that.

Why Teesside University?

I wanted to get a degree in an area I’m interested in and to further my career. I transferred to Teesside University from another institution as the Teesside course was much better suited to me – it also allowed me to participate in a placement year and gain the accreditations required to join professional accounting bodies.

Best thing about your course?

I really liked the variety that my course offered. It included all aspects of accounting and finance and this allowed me to develop the skills I needed for the future. I particularly enjoyed the Financial Accounting module as I like doing calculations and book keeping. I also enjoyed learning Corporate Finance once I got my head around it.

The lecturers were also another good thing about the course. They had a really helpful open door policy and were quick to respond to emails and worries, no matter how small. They have all worked in industry and have first-hand knowledge, experience and contacts that they were more than happy to share.

Did you complete a placement during your course?

Yes. I worked in London’s Canary Wharf for 12 months on an industrial placement with Ernst & Young LLP. I worked in assurance, audit, financial services and insurance.

It was the most amazing experience I’ve ever had, and I worked very hard in order to be offered a graduate job at the end of it. I made friends for life and I travelled places I had never visited before. To work for one of the big four consulting firms in our capital city is something I always dreamt of when I first started my degree course. Now I’m living it.

I was also fortunate that I applied for and received the Peter Artherton grant which paid for my year-long oyster card while I was there which was a huge help.

What do you think about the University’s campus?

Teesside’s campus has had such an amazing makeover with students in mind. The new facilities and the layout of the library really motivated me to work on campus - it's bright and quiet with lots of different areas for study – silent, group, individual. It was great for me as I didn't get much peace at home!

What are you doing now?

I'm working as an Insurance Auditor in London at Ernst & Young - I was offered the job after completing my industrial placement. I'm training to be a Chartered Accountant so every day is different. I get to work with a number of different clients with people from all different backgrounds.

Would you recommend the University to others?

I’d definitely recommend Teesside University. I come from the area and I’m proud of it and the amazing opportunities the University has given me.

 
 
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