Graduation!!!

Hi everyone!

My graduation ceremony took place last week on Friday and it was truly memorable experience to be honest. The Greenwich campus was buzzing and so was I with excitement as there were proud family and friends around supporting all the graduates. The atmosphere was fantastic!!! The weather was a big surprise too as I thought it would be cloudy / rainy but it wasn't... sunny throughout! Our Greenwich campus is well suited to host graduation ceremonies due to its historic and famous buildings... the history speaks for itself!!!

The long black robes (we were wearing) set against our historic buildings (Queen Anne, Queen Mary buildings etc) actually felt as if I was part of a scene from a Harry Potter film... there weren't any wands or broomsticks am afraid. I am really proud in achieving this degree and so are my family and friends. I simply could not have done it without their input. There were so many happy faces on the day itself (especially my parents!!!) and that made me feel even better.

The graduation ceremony marks the end to my undergraduate study. This is surely the foundation which I need to build upon and plan the next stages of my career. As you may all know (from my previous blog entries) I plan to do the ACCA qualification in future and I have researched so much about it and I believe it is going to be the best route for me to take. However, if I can secure a job now in relation to my degree... that would be an absolute bonus!!!

As the graduation week has come to an end, our University is now going to make preparations to welcome our new students for September 2011. Just to get a head start, I would strongly recommend you to make way for our Open Days if you have not done so already. The next available Open Day is scheduled for the 20th August 2011. If you would like more information, please visit http://www2.gre.ac.uk/study/opendays.

My advice to you all is that do not believe that you must have a definite plan in place as soon as you start university. What you go through in your own life and university life will play a big role on decisions you make. Say for example if you know already that you want to be an "ACCOUNTANT" (perfect choice!!!), University is an option which you may need to look at because possibilities are endless! Our University will support you throughout with opportunities to visit specialised events, chances to look at interesting internships etc. Remember that university can turn out to be an interesting journey to some of you and it is really important to realise your own goals and not get carried away!!!

Thanks for reading everyone!

RESULT!!!

Hello everyone!!! I generally hope you are all enjoying your summer break despite the weather... typical!!! On a brighter note... my official results came through on Friday and I managed to achieve a 2:1!!! Woo hoo!!! Really pleased with my result purely because of the hard work I had put in throughout the three years at this uni. My family are over the moon!!! As I am the first one in my family to graduate... it makes it even more special!!! So that is it... three years went ever so quick and I will definitely miss this place. The Greenwich campus is super... you just have to visit the place!!!

I am enjoying my break so far and I will enjoy it even more because of my degree classification! I can't wait for my grad ceremony now. Work on the other hand, is hectic but enjoyable and I have the make the most out of it.

The next couple of paragraphs are just general advice which you may find useful!!! I have explained a few points before (previous blog entries) but this is like a refresher:

1. Accounting and Finance is a challenging subject... no question about it. If you have studied accounting in college then you should be fine for your first year. If you have no knowledge behind accounting whatsoever, then you will have to work hard. I would say to carry out additional reading (independently or groups)... that would help. Try to work with committed individuals so that you can work together and address any problems you face.

2. Course lecturers and tutors are there to help you and they will want what is best for you. When you need help... don't be afraid to drop them an email or chat to them face to face. Email is preferred and they will definitely respond!!! This I found very useful as I did this quite often.

3. If you want top grades then I would say to follow what every lecturers say: READ OUTSIDE OF YOUR LECTURE NOTES. You will be provided with a core reading lists for all your modules... make sure you read them. Make sure you read good newspapers too e.g. Financial Times! Yes I know... how boring but it will improve your awareness immensely. Shop around for your core recommended text books. We have our own bookshop and they tend to sell for at a discounted price. Otherwise... Amazon is the best bet for a bargain!!!

4. Remember to keep on top of things... work load, part time work, money!!! If you know that you are going to be in trouble then there are people to help. Your course leader is the perfect person to contact.

5. I generally thought that studying at University will be harder compared to college. It's the other way around. Most people would agree and say A Levels is a very tough qualification to get!!! University can be an enjoyable experience only if you want it to be. Please don't divert your attention to something else. Maintain your focus on studying and you will be fine... trust me!!!


Thanks for reading people.