Aleksander Kolodziejczyk

Having a degree opens more doors – you will be allowed to apply for companies with whom you have potential for fantastic personal development and prosperous careers.

It helps you develop the skills that employers will look for.

You network with people who come from various backgrounds and learn to deal with different types of people (probably the KEY skill in any future job you look for).

I would seriously consider picking a degree that will give you extra time on the side to do things other than study for your exams and do your assignments. You will end up competing for jobs with people whom have a plethora of experiences outside of university work and may have the advantage of coming from more privileged backgrounds. The more extra stuff you do, the more exposure to people and varied experiences you will get which will put you close to a level-playing field with those whom you will be competing against in the job market.

Higher Education: BSc (Hons) Geography; Currently studying for an MSc International Business

Why did you choose Geography?

I did not know what I wanted to study. I was the first person in my family to go to university so I was doing everything with a blindfold on. I decided to study what I found interesting. Whilst it is important that you do well in your degree, you need to have time to explore the other opportunities university has to offer. My degree allowed for that. In fact, my involvement in other things outside my course and the experiences I gained through that landed me a job in a prestigious company.

What is Geography about?

I don't really like this question; it is self-explanatory what geography is about. Instead I can tell you that core skills which you develop studying geography are synthesising complex information, formulating an argument, clear expression in writing and using data to support arguments.

Aleksander’s experience as a student

It was the whole university life package if you like that I enjoyed. I was independent, had to work part time to afford to live, had to manage my own time with studies, invest in my future, make friends, learn to network, find a placement, do a sport I enjoy. I enjoyed what the experience as a whole exposed me to which makes me a more employable and wellnetworked individual.

Aleksander’s Career

I am currently completing my MSc in International Business with an exchange semester at Aarhus University in Denmark. This postgraduate course has an even greater emphasis on developing collaboration and teamwork skills.

Whilst doing my undergraduate degree I also co-ran an international charity which was very successful and raised over £100,000 in revenue.

I have received an offer from PwC to work as an Auditor and train as an Associate Chartered Accountant starting in September 2020 in their Birmingham office.

However, I am also applying for training contracts with city law firms such as Baker McKenzie and Herbert Smith Freehills.