Fawzy Nofal

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose the University of Westminster because it is a diverse and inclusive community where I can interact with, and learn from, people from different cultures and backgrounds. The University is located in the heart of London, which allows me to explore the city and its many attractions during my free time. Additionally, the University is renowned for its business school and the Master's course I studied is accredited by professional bodies, providing me with the best possible education and opportunities for success in my future career. I am excited to be a part of this dynamic and vibrant community and my time at the University was a valuable and fulfilling experience.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been an incredibly enriching and fulfilling experience for me. Being in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world has exposed me to a wealth of new perspectives and cultures, and broadened my horizons in ways I never could have imagined. The abundance of world-renowned museums, galleries, and landmarks has made my time here an endless source of inspiration and learning. Additionally, the city's buzzing business and finance sector has provided me with countless opportunities to connect with industry professionals and learn from their real-world experiences. All in all, studying in London has been an unforgettable journey that has opened my mind to new possibilities and helped me grow both academically and personally.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

Studying the Investment and Risk Finance MSc has been an incredible journey for me. I have particularly enjoyed the hands-on approach of the course, where I was able to apply the knowledge I gained to real-world problems facing the financial services industry. The weekly market updates, Fintech Flash News, and SFA Explainer videos helped me stay up to date with the latest developments in the field, essential in today's fast-moving world of finance. My favourite modules were Modern Portfolio Management, and Financial Derivatives, which provided me with a deep understanding of how to use financial products to solve investment management problems and mitigate financial risks. Overall, the course has been a great blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, and I am confident that the skills I acquired will be instrumental in my future career in finance.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

I have found the academic and lecturer support to be incredibly valuable during my studies. The professors and instructors are highly knowledgeable and experienced in their respective fields, and they have provided me with clear and thorough explanations on complex concepts. They have always been available to answer any questions or concerns that I have had, and they have provided guidance and feedback on my coursework and projects. The small class sizes have also allowed for a more personalised learning experience, where I have been able to build strong relationships with my classmates and professors. Overall, the academic and lecturer support has been a crucial aspect of my learning journey and has greatly contributed to my understanding and growth within the field.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

One of the stand-out facilities associated with my course is the Financial Markets Suite. This virtual trading floor allows us to monitor and analyse real-time financial market movements, company performance and financial data using Bloomberg terminals, a leading source of economics and capital markets information available to the global professional financial community. This facility has provided me with hands-on, practical learning experience and has allowed me to apply my knowledge to real-world problems facing the international financial services industry. Access to the CISI learning platform is also a great asset, providing eligibility for student membership and access to  CPD events, industry news and online resources.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service 

I had the opportunity to take advantage of the various services offered by the Careers and Employability Service. I was offered career counselling, job search assistance, resume and cover letter reviews, networking and mentoring opportunities. The team provided me with invaluable support and guidance throughout the job search process. They helped me to identify my strengths, tailor my resume and cover letter to specific job opportunities and provided me with valuable interview tips. The networking and mentoring opportunities gave me the chance to connect with professionals in my field of interest, which helped me to better understand the industry and the different career paths that are available. Overall, the Careers and Employability Service at the University of Westminster has been an integral part of my academic journey and I am grateful for the support and guidance they have provided me.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course 

I have made the most of my time in London by exploring the city and pursuing my personal interests. I have had the chance to improve my chess skills by playing at local clubs, train at some of the best martial arts gyms in the city and visit a variety of museums to expand my cultural knowledge. Additionally, I have taken advantage of the convenient location of London to travel to other parts of the UK, such as Bath, Bristol, and Scotland, to gain a deeper understanding of the country's history and culture. I believe that these experiences have been just as valuable as any formal extracurricular activities, as they have allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

Choosing to study at the University of Westminster is a decision that has the potential to open up so many opportunities for personal and professional growth. The diverse student body and location in the heart of London offer a unique chance to learn from and interact with people from different backgrounds and cultures. This diversity will not only enhance your learning experience, but also provide you with the opportunity to network and work on your people skills, which are vital for business and finance. My advice to anyone considering studying at Westminster is to take advantage of all the resources and opportunities available to you, explore the city and all it has to offer. It truly is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

The most surprising aspect of my Westminster experience was the level of support and accessibility provided by the University. From the moment I began the application process, the University made it easy for me to navigate through the visa and enrolment process. The wide range of resources and facilities available to students was unexpected, and I was impressed by how easy it was to access them. The support I received from university staff was also unexpected, and it made my transition to studying in the UK much smoother. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support and resources provided by the University, which has greatly contributed to my positive experience as a Westminster student.