‘Studying in the UK prepared me for a career in global finance’

Rishabh, from India, studied a master’s in Economics, Banking and Finance at the University of Glasgow in 2020-21. He tells us about his experience of living and studying in the UK and how his degree helped him get a job in financial services in Canary Wharf in London.

Why did you decide to study in the UK?

It was hard to resist choosing the UK as a place to study. The architectural beauty of the university campuses and the career opportunities in the UK attracted me the most. Receiving the Adam Smith Award for Excellence also helped me fund my studies.

The UK is also a fantastic place to travel. Since I arrived, I’ve seen a lot, from the Highlands and Islands in Scotland to the Cotswolds and the Pennines in England and Cardiff and Swansea in Wales.

What have you enjoyed most about living in the UK?

I loved living in Glasgow as there is so much to see and do. There is old and even medieval Gothic architecture all over the city and there are almost 90 parks within the city which I often visited. I enjoy how warm and welcoming people are in Scotland. I have found it easy to make new friends in the UK.

How did you find the experience of moving away from home?

Choosing to study in the UK has been the best decision that I’ve ever made. Moving to a new country and living independently has been really important in making me more responsible and accountable to myself. I learned how better to manage my money and time and I’ve improved my prioritisation and time management. It has definitely had an impact on how I look at the world.

What is one of your favourite things about Glasgow?

Like many other students at the University of Glasgow, one of my favourite spots is the cloisters. They are very Gothic, very ‘Harry Potter-y’ and very beautiful. That said, if I were to take a visitor to see something in Glasgow it would be the top floor of the university library. From the twelfth floor, the view of the rest of the campus and the city of Glasgow is absolutely breathtaking. Otherwise, I’d take them to a local deli and get them to try a pistachio latte and watch the taste and quality of the coffee blow their mind.

What are you up to now?

After graduating from the University of Glasgow in September 2021, I have spent time travelling to meet my friends and family who live across the UK. While I applied for graduate jobs I was able to work in a lovely cafe in Ashton Lane in Glasgow. Having a degree from the University of Glasgow made me a really attractive candidate for firms across the globe. I now work for a financial services firm - Delta Capita - based in Canary Wharf in London.