Our students

Why did you choose to go to university and why Teesside?

While in my final year at sixth form, I knew that I wanted to further my education, and university was the perfect way to improve my career prospects and open doors for me.

Teesside offered the course I wanted to study and it’s local. Having attended an open day and speaking to members of staff, I was very impressed with the high level of investment into the campus and facilities, especially the Business School. The focus on employability also impressed me, offering an optional work placement year where I could develop valuable experience and engage with the sector.

Why accounting and finance?

It was something that had always interested me from a young age, as I have always preferred maths over English. Having studied business and maths at sixth form, I developed a passion for accounting and wanted to grow my knowledge in this area, so studying it at Teesside was the best fit for me and my future ambitions.

Teesside’s course is brilliant as it covers the core areas of accounting, company law and finance. It also focuses on emerging technologies, governance, ethics and sustainability which provided me with the knowledge and skills to explore many different roles and career options after graduating. It is also accredited by professional bodies like the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) so I could claim exemptions upon graduating and fast-track onto the higher level of an accounting qualification.

Tell us about the staff at Teesside.

The lecturers were incredibly helpful and always there to support me with any queries I had in my studies. I always felt I could speak to them in person or over email about anything related to the course or general advice.

Tell us about the campus and facilities.

The campus and services offered at Teesside are fantastic and they’re always improving it to a high standard. I really enjoyed studying in the Library as it is open 24/7, has dedicated areas for different types of study and there’s a great café. The Business School has new and updated technology, making it an excellent space to learn and develop knowledge and skills.

The careers team in Student Life were really useful. During my second year they gave me advice on CV building and interview skills while looking for a placement. In my final year, I used the service again to search for a graduate role. I practiced psychometric tests, booked in practice interviews, and had my CV reviewed and optimised.

Tell us about Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough is a great place as there is a lot to do. There are amazing restaurants and cafés that I went to with friends and the town centre has lots of shops. It’s also close to seaside towns like Redcar and Saltburn, and great walking spots like Roseberry Topping in Great Ayton.

Tell us about your placement year.

Between my second and final year, I undertook a year-long placement at Adams Irving Majeed, a local family-run accounting firm near the University. The placement was a great way for me to apply the knowledge and skills that I had developed in a real-life setting. I worked alongside experienced accountants, gaining valuable experience and beginning to develop a professional network.

What skills have you gained that are valuable in your career?

Teamwork, public speaking and problem solving. I also developed my IT skills by going on courses provided by the University.

I was always pushed beyond my comfort zone which made me more resilient. I learned to adapt to situations and improve my confidence.

What are you doing now and what are your future ambitions?

I have secured a graduate role as a trainee accountant at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council where I am studying towards a Level 7 Professional Accountancy qualification with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA). My aim is to become a chartered accountant and build a career in finance, potentially becoming a Director of Finance or Chief Finance Officer.

Would you recommend Teesside?

Definitely! My experience was better than I ever expected. I would also highly recommend my course as the level of teaching and support from the lecturers was incredible and taught me so many things I’ll use in my career. I also made friends for life which I am so grateful for.

Any advice for future students?

Make the most of the services. Always ask lecturers and staff for support if needed as they will always do their best to help you.