Search

Descriptions should be written as one or more proper sentences, starting with a capital letter and ending with a full stop, exclamation mark, or question mark.

News

Peter Otto, a BSc Finance student at Bayes Business School, has graduated with first-class honours despite initially believing university was out of reach

Published

Peter Otto is one of many BSc Finance students at Bayes Business School, but during his time at City St George’s, University of London, he has been much more than that. Just this year, he was named one of the Top 150 Future Leaders by Powerlist Magazine and a finalist for TargetJobs’ Black Heritage Undergraduate of the Year Award.

Despite only recently graduating this month with first-class honours, Peter has already completed several internships and secured a role in commercial strategy at Sky. His accomplishments and social impact are made even more inspiring considering just a few years ago, going to university to study finance seemed like an impossible dream.

Although I have gone on to achieve academic success and start a career after graduation, I am neurodivergent, state-school educated, and from an ethnic minority background. This has led to significant barriers growing up, especially when it came to applying to university and pursuing prestigious careers.

Peter Otto graduated with first-class honours

When I was at sixth form, I did not think studying finance at university was attainable because I did not know anyone in my network who had studied it or worked in the industry. However, my teacher encouraged me to apply, and since then I have completed internships in the sector and gained a degree.

Peter’s first-hand experience of overcoming significant barriers to higher education motivated him to dedicate time and effort to supporting others at university. Throughout his time at City St George’s, Peter volunteered as a Course Buddy helping first-year students settle into university life and worked with the social mobility charity Zero Gravity to support sixth-form students with university applications.

His proudest achievement was working as a Widening Participation Ambassador for the university, encouraging young people from underrepresented backgrounds to access higher education through school visit days, conferences, workshops, tutoring and fairs. “Having gone through similar challenges myself, I found it rewarding to offer guidance and encouragement to those just starting their journey,” said Peter.

Peter has worked as Widening Participation Ambassador, supporting young people from underrepresented backgrounds

On the skills he developed personally while working with the widening participation team, Peter said he developed his time management and communication skills – both essential for today’s job market.

What motivates me most is seeing how support through these initiatives can inspire young people to pursue ambition in their lives

"Whether it is deciding to go to university or aiming for top careers, this work feels meaningful because of the huge difference it can make. The positive feedback I received from students always made me proud of what we achieved, and I am very grateful to the widening participation team for the opportunities they gave me."

Peter was named one of the Top 150 Future Leaders by Powerlist Magazine

While Peter said efforts by universities should include targeted initiatives that support those facing barriers to succeed, particularly those who are neurodivergent, he said City St George’s has provided strong foundations for him to build a future in finance. “The Microplacements Programme, the efforts of the Careers team and the networking opportunities facilitated by Bayes have opened doors for me and increased my exposure to a professional career in business and finance”

“It feels surreal to be graduating here at City, St George’s,” he said prior to his graduation ceremony. “The three years have gone by so quickly. I remember walking through the doors for the first time after completing my A-levels, not knowing what I wanted to do. Now I’m leaving with a first-class honours degree, multiple internships, and I’m entering professional work as a graduate. I’m so grateful to graduate and celebrate with my family, especially my mum as she has guided me throughout my whole academic journey.”

Peter features in the We Are City St George's campaign, which raises the profile of the incredible achievements of students, staff and wider university community.

Words by Ela Fairhurst and Katie Hoggan

Other stories you might like