Hi there, I’m Yixin and I’ve just graduated with an MSc in Accounting and Financial Management. I wanted to spill the beans on my university journey covering the courses I studied, the awesome opportunities and the buzzing student societies.
Studying at the International Pathway College
Before diving into the academic realm of the School for Business and Society, I took a brief detour through a 15-week language program at the International Pathway College. Why, you ask? Well, because my IELTS score was a modest six. I might have unintentionally become a patron saint of British IELTS institutions, having graced them with my presence five times.
During my time at the International Pathway College, I served as the class spokesperson. In this role, I assisted our tutor in managing student assignments, tracking completion status, and addressing academic and operational issues. Every two weeks, I met with the manager of the International Pathway College to discuss my role as a spokesperson, share feedback, and discuss areas for improvement. Ultimately, the entire class successfully passed the language exam, and I graduated from the International Pathway College with a great score of 75. In the final class, I collected messages from my classmates and created a touching video that left our tutor in tears. It was a very nice memorable last lesson.
Studying the course and my modules
During my Accounting and Financial Management course, I found the coursework manageable, possibly due to my previous auditing and accounting experience at BDO Certified Public Accountants LLP, a top accounting firm in China. The challenges I faced in the academic setting were often complemented by the practical knowledge and skills acquired during my professional tenure. While the academic content wasn’t overly challenging, the learning process provided valuable opportunities for further refining and deepening my understanding.
Modules such as Managerial Economics contributed to my comprehension of market dynamics, and Advanced Management Accounting honed my cost management and decision support capabilities. Additionally, Skills for Management & Professional Development cultivated leadership skills and offered strategies for effective career development. Lastly, Advanced Financial Accounting enhanced my financial statement analysis proficiency and familiarity with international accounting standards. Collectively, these experiences have prepared me for a successful career, providing a robust foundation in accounting, finance, and management.
Other opportunities
Last June, I participated in a five-day online training opportunity provided by the School for Business and Society, culminating in the attainment of a Level 5 Diploma in Applied Finance accredited by the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) and issued by Amplify Trading.
Throughout the five-day Amplify Trading course, I underwent an immersive learning journey that significantly enriched my understanding of financial markets. The hands-on simulations, ranging from asset management to corporate financing and technical trading, provided practical insights into real-world scenarios. Engaging in live trader simulations heightened my awareness of market dynamics and the psychological aspects of trading, emphasizing the importance of mental resilience. Overall, the course equipped me with valuable skills and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the financial industry.
During the second semester, I also applied for a position in the university’s student creative team. There, I was got the title of EU Student Ambassador to share my experiences. I was invited to record a video, which was then shared on the official University of York Student Vlogs channel. The topic of my vlog was “Why I love York.” Being a fervent chronicler of life, I enjoy creating and editing videos. It brought me great joy to leave my mark on the University of York through this platform. I feel honored to have had these experiences, and they will undoubtedly be cherished memories throughout my lifetime.
The student community
Prior to arriving at the university, I extensively researched various clubs and societies on the University’s website, as I believed it to be a crucial part of my upcoming university life.
Although I had obtained a Chinese dance instructor qualification at the age of 18, I had never tried ballet. Therefore, I chose to join the Dance Society at the University of York. It was a vast organization with different dance styles, including ballet, contemporary dance, lyrical, jazz, and more.
Almost every Sunday, I attended ballet training. I enjoyed spending time with people who shared similar interests and was delighted to receive professional ballet lessons at the affordable price of three pounds. I participated in the March Spring Showcase dance competition at the University of York as a member of the beginner ballet team, and the experience was enriching. Before the performance, we helped each other with makeup and hair in the dressing room. The splendid coordinated performance during the show and the post-performance group photos left me with cherished memories.
What the future holds
Currently, I am gearing up for the company entrance exam scheduled for April 2024. It’s an exam for a prestigious Chinese company that ranks third in the Fortune Global 500 list. The company places a high emphasis on educational backgrounds, and I am grateful to have smoothly graduated from the University of York with a Masters degree within the past year. This qualification serves as the key to unlock the opportunity to take part in the written test for the position I am applying for.
I genuinely believe in my success as I have been feeling confident in my recent studies. If there’s good news on the horizon, I’ll be sure to share it with you.
Read more student stories about Postgraduate study at York.
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