My name is Ellie Morton, and I am a final year BSc Finance student. My time at UCC has been a very positive experience. The BSc Finance degree has equipped me with the skills and network needed to succeed in the professional world. Pursuing this degree at CUBS has been both challenging and rewarding and has opened doors to a number of opportunities.
My experience doing the BSc Finance degree has extended beyond lectures, as students are encouraged to seek real-world experience in the finance industry. Interning at MUFG, KPMG, and Credit Suisse provided invaluable insights into investment banking and deals advisory. These experiences not only sharpened my technical skills but also enhanced my professional network, paving the way for future opportunities in the field.
A huge benefit of the degree is the 6-month placement. I interned in KPMG’s Dublin Deals Advisory department, within the Transactions Services team. This was an invaluable hands-on experience that deepened my understanding of financial due diligence. My placement allowed me to use what I have learned in college in real-world scenarios. Completing work placement as part of my degree is a crucial component of my professional development and sets this degree apart from others.
Thanks to the guidance provided by my lecturers and network of BSc Finance graduates in London, I secured a summer internship at MUFG London in their Debt Capital Markets team. Lecturers who have worked in the finance industry provided pivotal insight and advice on opportunities for Finance students in London. I look forward to joining MUFG as a graduate in August. My experience as a BSc Finance student laid the groundwork for a future in a major financial hub.
My involvement with UCC Societies has been a significant aspect of my academic and professional development. Being a part of the Student Managed Fund has been a highlight of mine. Becoming an equity analyst in my second year, my fund placed first in the national Goodbody Student Managed Fund competition, winning €5,000 for charity. The experience and skills I gained from this have stood out to me throughout my degree and various internships. Specifically, the mentoring from older students and a sense of responsibility in managing real financial assets. I was thrilled to take on the role of Chairperson of the SMF during my final year as it allowed me to help younger students derive the same benefits from the SMF that I have experienced.
What sets the extracurriculars at UCC apart is their practical relevance to the finance industry. Employers consistently express interest in my involvement with the SMF, recognising it as evidence of practical skills, leadership capabilities, and a genuine passion for finance. This acknowledgement underscores the positive impact that the SMF has had on shaping my professional trajectory and opening doors to diverse opportunities within the finance sector.
The BSc Finance degree has provided me with a solid academic foundation and a significant professional network. Looking ahead, I am excited to embark on the next chapter of my journey as a graduate in London, where I will continue to build upon the foundation laid by my BSc Finance degree at UCC.