Victoria Zimnoch studied BSc (Hons) Mathematics with Finance and Economics at City St George's.
Why did you choose City St George’s, University of London?
I chose City St George’s because of its unique Mathematics with Finance and Economics course, which perfectly matched my interest in applying maths to real-world financial challenges. I was also drawn to City St George’s strong links with industry, its global outlook, and its location in the heart of London.
What knowledge and skills have your course helped you develop?
The course helped me deepen my understanding of financial markets, mathematical theories, and economic analysis. I developed strong quantitative skills, including statistical modelling, computational mathematics, and risk assessment. I also enhanced key soft skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
What are your career plans and how has City prepared you for them?
My goal is to build a career in investment banking or financial analysis. City St George’s helped me prepare through a course that combined strong mathematical training with practical finance and economics skills.
What services within your School or the University have you used during your studies?
I used the Careers Service, which helped refine my CV and prepare for interviews. The Mathematics and Economics departments offered open office hours, which were instrumental in helping me succeed academically.
What motivated you to pursue your studies at university, and how did that shape your career path?
From an early age, I was fascinated by how mathematical models can explain real-world phenomena, especially in financial systems. Studying at City St George’s, gave me the technical and analytical foundation to pursue a more specialised postgraduate degree in Financial Mathematics at The London School of Economics, and a career in investment banking.
What did a typical week at university look like for you, and how did it prepare you for your current role?
A typical week at university for me involved lectures, tutorials, group coursework, and independent research. I balanced academic commitments with part-time work, which improved my time management skills. To stay on top of the material, I usually spent a couple of hours each day in the library.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree in your subject, based on your experience after graduation?
I would advise anyone to focus not only on their academic journey, but also on gaining professional experience. Internships, part-time work, or any relevant exposure become extremely valuable after graduation and can make a real difference when entering the job market.
What was your favourite module or aspect of your course, and how has it impacted your work or personal development?
My favourite module was Industrial Organisation because it connected economic theory with practical business strategy. It culminated in a group project analysing the UK estate agent market, where we combined data analysis with market research and financial modelling
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