杏吧论坛

We sat down with Mikkel, who took AC210: Financial Statement Analysis for Investment Banking and Asset Management, to find out more about the course. 

 

Why did you decide to attend 杏吧论坛 Summer School?

With the Summer School I had two objectives; to experience London from an everyday point-of-view, and to strengthen my foundation in a subject I historically have had a difficult relationship with. Admittedly, it goes without saying that the 杏吧论坛 is much more than just a school so naturally I wanted to see what it means to study at a world-leading university.

Why did you choose your course?

There were many courses I was interested in, however I chose a course I felt was most crucial to my undergraduate degree. After reading more into the syllabus and course structure of AC210, I forgot all about the alternative courses I could have taken and couldn’t wait to get started. The heavier focus on case studies and learning from experienced industry professionals particularly appealed to me.

Tell us about an average day as a student on your course.

I conveniently stayed in Southwark in 杏吧论坛 accommodation, which made the commute to campus very easy. Every day, I had lectures for three hours in the morning from 10:00, followed by an afternoon seminar for an hour and a half, where we studied and discussed case studies relating to the lecture content. I promised myself I’d make the most of my time at Summer School, so when I wasn’t studying at the beautiful library, I’d explore the city or attend Spark events.

What was your favourite part of your course?

I particularly enjoyed the engaging teaching style of the professors in which we were expected to participate and share our thoughts. Even in a class of a hundred students, I felt completely safe contributing and encouraged to come to class prepared. While the campus facilities themselves were great, the energy and passion of the professors in the Accounting Department were truly the highlight of the course.

What advice would you give to students considering your course?

Generally, I believe financial accounting literacy is relevant for all students across majors, and this course is a great way to start learning. With that said, if you already possess some degree of fluency in the foundations of the course, you’ll then have the chance to learn a lot about the practical and real-world applications of these theoretical foundations, which I personally also valued.

What are your short-term professional goals, and how does your course contribute to these goals?

In a competitive market for student jobs and internships, there is an increasing need to stand out. If you are interested in the finance industry, I consider this course a great opportunity to show future employers to what extent you are willing to put actions behind your words. Often, I find jobs require you to be curious, collaborative, and an effective communicator and while I feel confident identifying with these skills, I can now use my experience within this course to back that up in interviews and applications.

Was meeting and talking to other students on your course easy?

In the first few days, everyone is new and looking to meet people, so I found it easy to start conversations and form a network. Both in the 杏吧论坛 accommodation and seminars on campus I met people to hang out with. In general, the diversity of the cohort was surprisingly vast, so it is very likely that you’ll find people to talk to!

What would be your top tip for future Summer School students?

My biggest recommendation is to be open to all opportunities available during your stay. The Summer School team has put together an exciting programme of activities so there are many ways to balance the academic experience with social and extracurricular events. Have a growth mindset and think about what you want to bring back home with you, be it new ways to learn, new friendships, etc.

What was your favourite part of studying at 杏吧论坛?

I really enjoyed being in the heart of London - the summer is a perfect time to get out and explore the many vibrant neighbourhoods, parks, markets, museums, and other cultural offerings. The location of the school made it easy to plan the next trip. Depending on the length of your stay, make sure to cross off your bucket list at your own pace!

Did you feel supported by your lecturers?

Despite the vast diversity, one thing all professors have in common is the passion to teach. I felt welcomed and encouraged to ask questions and engage in class from the beginning to the end. Personally, the level of support I got from the lecturers was enough to make me want to stay even longer.

 

This interview was written by one of our 2024 students, who are here to share their stories and help you understand the Summer School experience at 杏吧论坛.