Combining her studies with roles helping fellow and prospective students is paying off for Yasmin Wilson.
The second-year Accounting and Finance student at De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has already landed a summer 2017 internship with Barclays, after completing two Spring Weeks earlier this year.
As a former manager, Yasmin knows how important it is to differentiate herself from other candidates - and is happy to use her skills to benefit her classmates.
Yasmin said: "I put myself forward to be a course representative because I am passionate about employability and education. I understand the implications of getting good grades and embracing the university experience.
"I can be that advocate, that voice, for students."
This year Yasmin has also taken on the role of School Representative for the Faculty of Business and Law.
The 23-year-old said: "I get feedback from students across the faculty to help DMU improve and evolve.
"I am also a Brand Ambassador. I wanted to meet prospective students and give them a glimpse of what to expect.
"I get satisfaction from helping other people, so I will keep it up."
Yasmin said time management and support from lecturers are key to balancing these roles with her studies and the society she has recently set up.
She said: "The Finance, Economics and Accounting Society (FEA) caters for business students' academic and social needs. Recently an alumna of the university, who has worked at some of the best financial firms in the world, came to meet members. It was very inspiring."
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Yasmin's route to DMU was via another university and full-time work.
She said: "I originally chose to study business management at a London university, but didn't enjoy it.
"I took four years out and worked full time as a manager, which taught me life skills and helped me understand how business works.
"I needed to find something I was passionate about and finance clicked."
Great feedback from friends and DMU's emphasis on employability were among the factors that appealed to London-born Yasmin, who said. "I went to an Open Day and loved it too."
The Accountant and Finance course "stands out" for Yasmin: "It's challenging and exciting and helps me to think more critically. It's supplying the right skills and knowledge for my career."
The course helped her "understand more" during two Spring Week internships - at Barclays and Nomura banks - which are aimed at giving first-year students an insight into a career in finance. She applied for these even before starting university.
Yasmin is delighted to have been offered a 2017 summer internship with Barclays, and added: "I will have an interview on the last day and hope to convert it to a full-time graduate role."
Posted on Tuesday 20 December 2016