Natalie Hill (BA Modern Languages: Russian with French, 2009) now uses her language skills on a daily basis in her job as Relationship Manager for Clariden Leu (Europe) ltd, an External Asset Management company which works with high-net worth clients setting up and managing private bank accounts.
How did your degree help develop the skills you needed in your career?
“My degree incorporated a variety of modules – two languages as well as literature and politics– which meant that we had to learn to prioritise our work very effectively. This is probably one of the most important aspects of my job now. Our teachers expected very high standards! However, they were extremely supportive; always willing to give up their own time to help and their confidence in me has made me a more confident person.”
Can you tell us about your year abroad?
“Arriving in Moscow for a year abroad was daunting. But this extreme immersion really accelerated our learning as we had to pick up all the vocabulary very quickly. I came back with many funny stories! We were also very lucky to go Petrozavodsk in the summer after first year to do an extra language course. At the end of my final year, I went on the same trip as a group coordinator and translator. This was a brilliant experience and the reference I received from the tutor really helped me to get my job at the bank.”
What is your advice for current students?
“There is nothing that matches up to living in the country itself and speaking the language on a daily basis.”