"Doing my BSc at the University of Birmingham taught me a lot about time management as well as developing my social skills, both of which have been crucial for the working world."
Chris Morgan graduated with a BSc in Economics from the University of Birmingham in 1997. After working for three years as a Business Development Manager in Dubai, Chris has now returned to the UK and has founded Logic Consulting, an analysis and consultancy business for the logistics and express market.
My Career
After graduation, I secured a job working for the Logistics department with British Steel in South Wales. After a number of years, the role slowly developed into a more analytical job and I moved to the Netherlands as an Internal Consultant. I then moved to Dubai and have now returned to the UK to set up my own consultancy company. The BSc was critical in securing my job with British Steel as it was necessary to have analytical skills, an understanding of economics, report writing and be able to manipulate and interpret data. My degree taught me these essentials, all of which are key skills for running my own company.
Why Birmingham Business School?
One of my brother’s friends had studied at the University of Birmingham and had highly recommended it so I decided to visit during an open day where I found that I particularly liked the campus environment. My Economics teacher at school approved of the degree the University offered so this also contributed to my decision.
Doing my BSc at the University of Birmingham taught me a lot about time management as well as developing my social skills, both of which have been crucial for the working world.
"There is a large benefit to having a central campus as well as the majority of student accommodation within a short walking distance as you really get the feeling of being part of a community."
Challenges
I found the statistical elements of the course to be most tricky but I overcame this through the support of various lecturers, especially in the smaller breakout classes which were held every week, the support of my fellow students and lots of hard work!
When applying for my first job, I used the careers service to read about previous interviews so I knew what to expect. I was also able to read various annual reports (being the pre-internet ages we were reduced to mere paper) to ensure I had adequate knowledge before going to my interviews.
The Birmingham experience
There is a large benefit to having a central campus as well as the majority of student accommodation within a short walking distance as you really get the feeling of being part of a community. Both the staff and university facilities such as the library and sports centre were excellent. When you include the wonderful city, the central location within the UK, the vibrant social aspects such as the many pubs and clubs and I cannot think of a better university to go to.
Tips and advice
Choose non-core modules on the basis of what you enjoy unless you are targeting a particular career. Do not apply for jobs using money as your motivation; you will enjoy your life a lot more if you are doing something you want to do and not purely so you can pay the mortgage. If you do something you enjoy, the money will follow; this is how I have been able to live in sunny countries like Dubai and now have succeeded in starting my own company! Finally, never stop learning, even after you leave university!
Find out more
BSc Economics
Department of Economics