Anees Saghir

Why Teesside?

I researched different universities at college and chose to visit a Teesside open day. After speaking to the staff and seeing the campus I decided I definitely wanted to go there. The University has invested a lot of money into the campus which has all been done to improve student experience.

The University is also well known for the support it provides students and its employability rate, and the course I wanted to study was highly recommended by former Teesside University students. Although accounting and finance is taught in most universities in the UK, the course at Teesside provides maximum exemptions from the professional examinations of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Association of International Accountants (AIA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). This was a major part of my decision for choosing Teesside.

Best thing about your course?

The course is great as it covers different types of accounting, business law and finance. This has enabled me to choose the sector I want to enter when I graduate.

Favourite module?

I enjoyed Financial Accounting, Advanced Auditing and Project and Operations Management.

Tell us about being a course representative

I act as a voice for the students on my course to improve the course further. This has been a great experience for me. The course leader was really helpful in listening to student feedback and making any necessary changes. I was also involved in attending course board meetings to discuss any issues and recommendations going forward.

Did you have a part-time job while studying?

After my first year I undertook a ten-week summer placement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. While on the placement I secured the job part time so I could work alongside my studies. I also worked for the company on campus by becoming a Campus Brand Manager. This involved recruiting and advising current students of the careers Enterprise Rent-A-Car offered. I have now secured a Graduate Accounting role at the North East Enterprise Rent-A-Car head office.

Did you have a part-time job while studying?

After my first year I undertook a ten-week summer placement with Enterprise Rent-A-Car. While on the placement I secured the job part time so I could work alongside my studies. I also worked for the company on campus by becoming a Campus Brand Manager. This involved recruiting and advising current students of the careers Enterprise Rent-A-Car offered. I have now secured a Graduate Accounting role at the North East Enterprise Rent-A-Car head office.

Tell us about the university campus

The campus is brilliant. The facilities are constantly improving and the Library has just been refurbished to a really high standard, plus it’s open 24/7. The Business School is also in a brand new building and has up-to-date technology. And the Students’ Union is great to socialise with friends.

Work is currently underway to make a new student life building, and there are more plans for the campus which is great for future students.

What are your future ambitions?

The University always taught me to aim high and gave me the belief that I can do anything if I worked hard for it. I’d like to become a chartered accountant and then go on to become a financial controller for a large company and then see where things go from there.

Would you recommend Teesside University to others?

Definitely – it has been an amazing experience. I would also recommend my course – the support from the lecturers is absolutely exceptional. I am definitely going to miss university and I could not recommend a better university than Teesside.

What advice would you give to someone thinking of studying here?

Always reach out to your lecturers and other staff if you need support. Teesside provides all the support needed to gain the best degree and students should really make the most of their time there. Also, contact the careers team who are great at giving advice in order to help you get a job or placement. Lastly, keep your lecturers as friends and speak to them about any problems you may have or anything you may need. Most importantly have a good time – but also get the best degree.