Corey Stokes

I’ve always been drawn to finance and economics, especially the way they shape everything from business decisions to global events. Studying this felt like a way to dive deeper into something I genuinely enjoy and could see myself working in long-term. I first started studying BSc (Hons) Business & Management with Accounting and Finance, because I wanted to learn more about the money side. Accounting is a language for business, so I wanted to study that as well as business, and finance because I wanted to go more into finance. So that whole degree correlated together. But during my first year I realised that I enjoyed economics more, and it is more related to my career aspirations, so I transferred to BSc (Hons) Business & Economics. I’d love to go into investment banking or finance consulting. I want a job where I can dive into complex financial issues and make a real impact, especially in high-stakes situations.

My degree has opened doors I hadn’t even considered, like internships, leadership roles in student societies, and the chance to connect with professionals in the field. It’s been a lot more than just classroom learning. We don’t just learn theories —we get to apply them in real-world scenarios. This makes it feel like we’re actually preparing for the workplace, not just sitting in lectures.

I’m going to be studying abroad for 5 months in Hong Kong. And then when I come back, I’m going to the UNSDG goals, which is sustainable development goals in Tunisia for six weeks and then Turkey for six weeks, where I’ll be working on climate change and economic growth and development. And then I’ll be completing my placement module as part of my degree. I’ve got also got two weeks where I’m going to Ghana to work for an NGO for microfinance and business development for the local government.

I’ve set up a society alongside my degree. Me and my friend both want to go into careers in finance but realised that the only society similar to this was the business society, but there was no correlation between finance because it’s a specialised industry. I’ve got guest speakers that are willing to come in and speak to us, so me and some of my friends came together to create it. So I’m using my degree to develop more skills.

I’m also completing an outreach placement. So when schools come onto campus, they’ll do an hour or two in the classroom. We do tasks like desert survival or a case study where they’re the managers. And then we also go out into schools and colleges.

Through hands-on projects, certifications, and networking, I feel like I’m leaving here with skills that actually mean something in the job market. I feel a lot more prepared to step into a professional role. There are lots of opportunities to complete additional qualifications alongside the degree. During my first year I did quite a few certificates from places like Columbia, Wharton, NYU. This will help me stand out when I’m applying for jobs. I’ve completed the CISI course and exam, and I’m also currently studying for the Certificate in Corporate Finance. I won the International Introduction to Investment Award, where I had to do a stock pitch, write a DCF thesis about it and then they pick the best ones. They’ll keep it for a month and then look at your stock and see if you’ve done it correctly and if your predictions were good.

Edge Hill stood out to me not just for its reputation but also for the welcoming community and the campus itself. It felt like a place where I’d have support, room to grow, and the chance to really get hands-on with my studies. It’s easy to feel at home here, and both the faculty and career services are so accessible, which makes it easier to stay motivated and involved. Edge Hill has been really supportive, from career services and mentorship programs to workshops that help build skills. The lecturers here have been fantastic. They’re always ready to help, whether it’s guiding us through assignments or encouraging us to push ourselves in competitions and projects. It makes a big difference to feel that support. It’s reassuring to know there are resources here that are actually helpful and accessible.

My advice to someone studying this degree would be to take advantage of every opportunity! Join societies, go to career events, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. The more you get involved, the more you’ll get out of it—and the more prepared you’ll feel when it’s time to graduate.