Karolina Golunska

Course: BSc Finance


What made you apply to City?

I really wanted to study in the centre of London as it is the heart of the European financial world. One friend recommended the Business School (formerly Cass) to me so I checked the course offer. He also told me a lot about learning facilities, Students’ Union and active societies, sport clubs, careers service and working opportunities.

After doing some additional online research, I felt the Business School would have been a good choice. The course outline was very detailed so I knew what to expect from the very beginning. I really liked the fact that in my second and third year I can choose among some elective modules as it makes the course more personal and tailored to my own interests.

What were the most important resources for you in helping you to make a decision?

I found the website very useful: it is well organised and provides details about courses along with information about student life, accommodation, London and extracurricular facilities. I also read a lot about available scholarships that later have made my financial situation easier.

I also asked several questions to one of my friends studying at the Business School about his experience and opinion. That gave me more insight from a student perspective and was very valuable.

Once you'd received offers from different universities how did you make your decision to choose City?

I applied to different universities around the UK but London was always my first choice. Location was a very important factor for me.

What is your favourite thing about studying at City?

I really admire the cultural diversity that we have at City because it has given me the chance to meet people from all over the world and to know more about their cultures. I think it has broadened my horizons in terms of ways of thinking and perceiving the world and this is something that I value even more than any technical knowledge.

What kind of things are you involved in outside your course?

I am trying to make the most of opportunities provided by the university. I am a Course Representative and part of the Finance Division in the Business School Entrepreneurs Network. As a student ambassador and Widening Participation ambassador, I’ve taken part in many events hosted at City. Last year I worked as a Telephone Fundraiser for City Fund campaign for which I contacted alumni to seek donations in support of current projects taking place in our university. Moreover, I use the gym membership at CitySport.

Have you had the opportunity to do any internships or work experience?

Last year I took part in the Spring Week at Goldman Sachs. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the company, its employees and its culture as well as getting a better insight into the investment banking industry. The experience has also led to an offer for a summer internship that I am going to do in the summer.  
Currently I am working as a Telemarketer in the start-up The Social Selling Company. It is a perfect opportunity to earn some additional money and get some experience in the business world at the same time. This role requires me to use my LinkedIn profile regularly and this has significantly expanded my professional network.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I am not fully sure about my future plans yet, but I am considering staying in London for few more years to get more professional experience in the financial sector. At some point, I am planning to do a master’s degree either in Italy or the USA. I’m also considering going back to Poland in the future given the increasing amount of job opportunities there and to be closer to my family.

What would be your top tip for our applicants?

Try to do as much research as you can to be able to make a well informed decision when choosing your university. In my opinion, the most relevant sources of information are current students and Open Days as they can give you a real glimpse of the university life you can expect.

Take a look at our current profiles and find out more about our successful alumni.