George Avramescu – MSc Business and Management graduate

“I chose to continue my studies at the University following recommendations, as well as doing my own homework about its achievements, infrastructure, and support provided to its students... Both the history of the city and the University’s outstanding results give students a sense of pride studying at Plymouth.”

Having a first class BSc Business Administration degree under my belt, I thought it would be easy to make a final decision about the career I wanted to pursue. However, I found that I couldn’t easily answer the question, “what job should I apply for?” So, I chose to continue my studies at the University following recommendations, as well as doing my own homework about its achievements, infrastructure, and support provided to its students. Given my interest in business studies, the MBM seemed the right programme to offer a multifaceted knowledge base.

What it the most interesting thing that your programme has enabled you to do (that perhaps you wouldn’t have been able to / had the opportunity to do otherwise)?

The programme has inspired me to pursue accounting as a profession; albeit, my main interest prior to enrolling has always been marketing. I have always been in love with numbers, and I was further spurred on by the fact that my accounting mark has been the highest amongst a cohort of more than one hundred students at the end of the programme. I became so passionate about the subject that I have started to help most of my colleagues and also to provide private tuition to students who have failed similar modules. Life seems to guide you and you should not avoid doing what you are really good at.

Please give us a brief synopsis of your career path since graduation?

While studying full time I was also working part-time as an accounting technician for a property management company, switching to full time just after graduation. I carried on like this for a few more months until I was offered my first job in London working for H Huntsman and Sons: a prestigious bespoke tailor from Savile Row. After only ten months working as an accounts assistant, I was snapped up by Rendall and Rittner: a leading independent managing agent based in the heart of the City of London. I have been working here for the last four years as a group accountant.

Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?

Hard work does not necessary mean working long hours; the quality of the work is what the employers are looking for. Put passion into what you do and always step back and think rather than rush into tackling the pile. Golden rules: always question (don’t leave any stones unturned) and never assume. Do this and it’s game, set and match.

What are your future career plans/aspirations?

After a few years of managing staff as well as acquiring more knowledge and experience in accounting, my next step is to become a director and act as a decision maker rather than an influencer, while retaining the main financial duties and actively contributing to the strategic and financial objectives of the company.

In a few words how would you sum up your experience studying/researching at the University?

The University’s infrastructure accommodated most of my requirements and I found it very useful to be able to study in various buildings. The 24/7 library was crucial in allowing me to catch up with my coursework and studying for exams – when overloaded due to my part-time job. The recording equipment provided by the University has been essential in allowing me to perform my interviews, while the high number of fully equipped rooms made available by the library enabled me to simulate presentations.

Can you give us any examples of interesting work placements, field trips, research projects or experiential learning that you undertook during your postgraduate studies, and that which enhanced your studying experience or career prospects?

As part of my dissertation I was given the opportunity to interview Bandvulc Group’s top management. I visited the company’s premises on several occasions and managed to obtain key information which proved invaluable for the purpose of the research. During the time spent with the University, I was also appointed as a course representative which enabled me to provide support to fellow students.

Have you taken anything from your study experience outside of academic knowledge?

I have learnt to be more thorough, to ask more questions, and to look at the problem from all angles. The critical thinking that has been emphasised over and over again when studying has proved vital to my job. I have also learnt to send messages more clearly, to explain things better, to pass on my knowledge in a simpler way, as well as to listen more. I have learnt and/or polished all of these qualities by attending classes, preparing for coursework and for exams, and studying together with fellow colleagues.

What makes Plymouth a good place to study? What are its highlights both as a city and a University?

The University buildings are concentrated in the city centre and are in walking distance from one another. This makes it very easy for students to buy food and eat whilst watching the sea and then return to studying in one of the many open access areas made available by the University. Both the history of the city and the University’s outstanding results give students a sense of pride studying at Plymouth.