Annabel Speers

I wanted to choose a university that would enhance my employability and when looking into various universities, Liverpool really stood out to me.

Head and shoulders image of Annabel Speers on plain background

Top three tips for University:

  1. Plan your time well! Include breaks throughout your day as well as setting clear boundaries of time to do activities which you enjoy
  2. Make sure to try and immerse yourself in as many new activities or sports when you first arrive, as it is the perfect time to try something new
  3. Try and make use of all the study locations on campus as it is good to change up where you study every so often.

Why did you choose to study at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS)?

I really enjoyed the atmosphere on my initial visit during the Open Day as well as how welcoming the module leaders and lecturers were to the prospective students.

During the Open Day, the School also talked about the support that they provide, particularly in the preparation of finding a placement for the Year in Industry and later on when applying for graduate roles.

I found I wanted to choose a university that would enhance my employability and when looking into various universities, Liverpool really stood out to me.


Why did you choose your course?

I chose to study Business Economics with a Year in Industry as I had studied Economics at A-Level and found it really interesting.

I also wanted to study a degree in which I could really attribute the concepts to current events. Particularly in the last few months, the content I have been studying has continually been in the news and due to my knowledge of the area it has meant that I have been able to apply this to my understanding, such as the recent inflation spikes.

I also wanted to study a course that had a large variety of module options and I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to choose the areas of most interest to me. 


What skills have you developed?

During my time studying at the university, I have developed various new skills and had the opportunity to improve on existing skills.

I have been able to develop greater confidence, in leading teams during my placement and the ability to speak up and ask further questions.

I have also improved my time management, in planning which tasks have a higher importance and organising my time accordingly; and to work independently, learning how to work in a new environment, to quickly get on with tasks and understand what needs to be done.


What surprised you the most at the University of Liverpool Management School?

I was most surprised by the amount of activities the school runs! There is always an ULMS Extra session every Tuesday, which covers a large variety of settings such as company talks to previous graduate panel discussions, meaning as a student I am really provided with the context of what I will face after graduation.

Moreover, other activities such as Welcome Back sessions, and themed celebration events, have meant I am able to feel connected to my Director of Studies, making it feel easier for me to reach out if I ever need support.


Why did you choose to become a Student Ambassador?

I wanted to try and help prospective students with their journey in deciding what and where they may want to study at university.

I feel student ambassadors can play an important role by sharing their opinion and experience of their own personal time at the university with their fellow peers.

This can also be beneficial in providing context in helping to answer their questions as well as being able to expand on areas which prospective students may not have considered.


What advice would you give to someone thinking of taking a Year in Industry?

My advice would be to go for it! Through taking this opportunity, I have been able to gain so many new skills and develop so many existing ones too.

It has also provided insight into a sector that I may not have considered working in before.

On returning to university, I feel much more prepared and equipped to try and obtain the grades I feel I can achieve and also apply the new skills to my studies.


What have you enjoyed about living in Liverpool?

Although I may be slightly biased, I honestly think Liverpool is one of the best cities to study and live in. It has a busy city centre with lots of shops and independent restaurants, exciting nightlife, a great variety of concerts and music nights, sporting events, museums and some beautiful parks, there is always something to do!

The excellent transport links also mean that everything is easily accessible.


What have you enjoyed most about your student experience?

It has to be the social aspect of university and meeting new people whether that has been in lectures, seminars, sports clubs, course socials and just generally in the city. I have also enjoyed living in a totally new place and being more independent.

At university I would always recommend putting yourself out there as everyone is in the same boat, starting an exciting adventure and looking to make new friends.


What are your future career goals?

I am actually still unsure of my exact future career goals. Having now completed my placement, I have decided that whatever role I end up in, I want to be working on a variety of projects as I like the versatility.

I also know that I would like to end up working in finance or operations preferably in a city centre as I like working in a bustling atmosphere.