What was your best experience while studying your course at the University of Liverpool?
I think the best part of the overall experience for me was realising just how diverse my career could be and how many opportunities are out there if you grab them. The best individual experience though has to be receiving my final results and achieving the grade I hoped for.
Which aspects of your course do you think have been the most beneficial to your career development?
Studying BA Business Studies was the perfect foundation for starting out in business. It gave me exposure to a range of topics including corporate finance, economics, accounting, marketing and even entrepreneurship. This variety, at a time when I wasn’t clear exactly which career path to take, allowed me to develop a broad skillset and figure out which areas interested me most and which areas I’d like to pursue.
Can you please share an insight into your current role and if this was supported by your time at the University of Liverpool?
After working for EY (Big 4 professional services firm) for eight years, I co-founded an online consumer finance business, Lending Works – a peer-to-peer lending platform - with my best friend from the University of Liverpool, . We’ve grown the business 100% year on year since we launched in 2014 and now employ more than 40 people. We have ambitious plans to lend over £1bn pa by 2023 and are well on our way.
Our experience at the University of Liverpool underpins the success of the business – not least because we met there! Nick’s degree in Computer Science and mine in Business Studies gave us a solid foundation and the confidence to get together to create something from nothing.
Do you have any top tips to share with future and current students?
My advice would be to not worry if you don’t know exactly what you want to do while you’re at University, or even after, as your career will likely take many twists and turns along the way and for sure won’t turn out as you expected! Keep your options open and try to pursue a career you’ll enjoy – not just the one you’re expected to do.
What is the first thing that you think of when you think of the University of Liverpool?
The friends for life I made while in Liverpool, and the many opportunities the University gave me – both during my time there and going forward.
Are there any other memories you would like to share from your time at the University of Liverpool?
I had some of the best experiences of my life during my time in Liverpool. My lasting memory of this period is just how vibrant and energetic the city is - I’d go back and do it again in a heartbeat!
Find out more about Matthew and Nicholas' business here: www.lendingworks.co.uk