From MSc Financial Technology Student to Finance Business Partner

Choosing Salford

"I chose to study in the UK because of its excellent education system, diverse cultural environment and strong global recognition of UK degrees. The UK offers high academic standards, a wide range of courses and the opportunity to gain international experience, which is valuable for my personal and professional development.

I chose the University of Salford specifically due to its strong emphasis on practical, industry-focused learning, particularly through its close partnerships with leading companies and organisations. The university’s modern facilities, experienced faculty and reputation for employability also stood out to me. Its location in Greater Manchester offers a vibrant student experience and excellent professional networking opportunities."

The learning experience

"My favourite part of the course was learning about blockchain technology and its real-world applications in finance. I found it exciting to explore how innovations like smart contracts and decentralised finance are transforming traditional financial systems. The hands-on projects and case studies allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, which deepened my understanding and kept me engaged. I also enjoyed learning about open banking, open data, open finance, big data and financial market analysis."

"Within my degree, I developed data analysis, leadership, presentation, communication and inter-personal skills, which have been highly beneficial in my career."

"Away from my academic life, my favourite thing about Salford was the multicultural nature of the city and the people."

Career to date

"My career has been focused on finance, data analysis, and research support across both private and academic sectors in Nigeria and the UK. 

I began as a Graduate trainee and progressed to the role of Senior Financial Data Analyst (Performance Management) at Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc in Abuja, Nigeria. There, I led the preparation of financial performance reports, conducted insurance premium and client profitability analyses and supported budgeting and forecasting. My work contributed to a 50% reduction in reporting time through process automation and collaboration with IT team. 

I took a career break to move to the UK and pursue a Master’s degree in Financial Technology. During this time, I gained a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of FinTech and its transformative impact on the global financial industry.

Following this, I worked at the University of Manchester as a Research Finance Officer within the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health. In this role, I managed post-award financials for a portfolio of research grants, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and delivering timely, accurate financial reporting. I also regularly liaised with internal and external stakeholders and supported risk assessments. I recently started a new role as a Finance Business Partner at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. In this role, I will adopt a business partnering approach to support budget holders, principal investigators, and programme teams. 

I will also act as the financial lead across a defined set of projects and core accounts, working closely with the Financial Planning and Reporting team to ensure accurate forecasting, financial control, and risk mitigation. My role is central to providing insightful, data-driven management information that enables strategic decision-making and supports overall programme success. 

Across all my roles, I have developed strong skills in financial management, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and process improvement, while working in diverse environments in Nigeria and the UK. "

Top tips and final thoughts

• Start all application processes early
• Research your university and course
• Join clubs, societies and events to make friends, build networks and fully enjoy the student experience
• Improve your English skills if necessary
• Be open-minded and respectful of cultural differences to help you adapt and feel more at home
• Use university support services and do not hesitate to seek help, from academic support to mental health and career advice

International students should be open to upskilling. It is important to research the industry you are interested in working in and obtain the necessary skills and qualifications required to succeed in that field.