Interview with a graduate of the University of Essex

Olga is a graduate of the University of Essex in 2009 with a degree BA Accounting and Finance. Currently, Olga works as an accountant in the European representation of one of the largest Russian oil companies.

EI: Olga, tell us why You chose the University of Essex?

Several factors played an important role. When choosing a University, I have relied mainly on ratings and recommendations of friends. The latter has had the biggest influence on my decision - one of my friends, who was at that time a student of Essex told me he was pleased with the University, the academic program and student life. Additionally, after finishing school in Estonia I wasn't sure what course to study at University. In Essex helped me to decide this difficult decision.

EI: How exactly did the process of submission of documents and were there any difficulties?

Filing of documents passed through the electronic UCAS system. After registration, I filled all the required fields with your personal data and introduced the five universities that would like to learn. Were very different, but there was always the possibility to write an email or call the Admission Office and ask for advice. In cases of extreme necessity my questions passed on to the teachers who gave the most satisfactory answers.

EI: How difficult was the process of adapting to a new life?

Most of the students coming to study in the UK, is experiencing culture shock. But the universities know about this problem and offer the best care possible. On arrival all students are issued various kinds of materials, that tells you about all upcoming events, collected contact details of various University departments to seek help, and of course, maps of campus and surrounding area. Students whose English was a second language, offered language courses on academic writing and the need for learning skills, such as competent management abstract and effective exam preparation.

EI: What was the process of learning at the University?

Each of the three years of study differed in their academic structure. The first year was an introduction to the basics of the selected items, and it was not possible array of disciplines. In the second year we studied the subjects in more depth with some academic training. Besides, it was possible to choose some of the modules. At the final third year we had complete freedom of choice of subjects, and usually students take the modules in which they want to specialize in the future.

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EI: it was More of classroom or independent work?

Lectures and workshops were in the amount of not more than twenty hours a week, but every week we spent a lot of time in the library. The main task of teachers is to introduce students to the course topics, to explain to her the basics, but then the important diligent independent study. And this is the main difference from the school - at the University of the amount of material that you'll learn depends entirely on you, from your personal work.

EI: That was for You, for the English speaking student, the most difficult in the learning process?

Probably the language barrier, which was overcome only after a few months of hard study. From an academic point of view, the study of non-linguistic subject in a foreign language is always a difficulty.

EI: How was Your student life at the University of Essex?

In the first year I became a member of some sports communities in addition to sports, found new friends. In my third year I became President of the Russian community of the University of Essex, which existed before us, but was not active. We decided to revive it, making it one of the most attractive and interesting student clubs of the University.

EI: This community was interesting only to Russian-speaking students or even to all?

We had lots of activities, each of which was interested in the students. For example, for those who was interested in Russian language and culture, we conducted the screenings, organized festivals with traditional costumes and food, and even conducted lessons in Russian language.

Incidentally, the latter enjoyed great popularity among students. Many of our events were held in conjunction with the Russian communities in other UK universities.

EI: Rtell us, please, on what date You started looking for work and what is included in this process?

Work I started looking in the second year, like many other students. The process of obtaining proposals on the work includes several stages: writing CV and motivation letters, filling out online forms, tests and interviews. In the end, I had an internship in the largest Estonian shipping company.

EI: have You Received any help from the University?

Yes, it was very important. Careers Center-is a special Department of the University, whose main task is assistance in obtaining a graduate job. Experts help to write a CV and cover letter, suggest books for interview preparation and also prepare for various tests. I really helped these professionals, without them the whole process would have been much harder. And it was strange that not all students used their help.

EI: Olga, what study and life at the University given You useful for a career?

In addition to excellent academic knowledge in the University of Essex I have received a lot of practical skills. First, is the ability to competently manage large volumes of information. During my studies I learned to analytically approach to problem solving, is structured to search for and select sources of information. Secondly, I had the necessary skills of independent work and management of their time. It's all right now, I really helps.

In General, the Western diploma is an important competitive advantage when applying for a job. Employers are increasingly beginning to appreciate the knowledge and skills obtained abroad, and therefore to find work in his native city does not represent special work.

EI: Hwhat advice would You give to students who decided to go abroad to study? :)

About: Nothing to fear and to use all the features. Life at University is a wonderful time when a person starts an independent life, finding new friends and making important decisions. The University should definitely try themselves in different communities and to understand what really is interesting and important.

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