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Why study for an Masters in Finance?

Having graduated from Sofia University in her home country of Bulgaria with a BSc in
Economics in 2012, Diana Naydenova worked briefly within corporate banking before opting to
move to the UK to undertake postgraduate study at the London School of Economics and
Political Science (LSE). Here she decided to study finance with the aim of returning to
Bulgaria upon graduating in order to work within the financial sector.

Now a graduate of LSE’s Masters in Finance and Private Equity program, Naydenova shares
her experience and advice for others, including her motivations for deciding to study finance at
graduate level, how the program worked, and how the London School of Economics (LSE)
helped her develop the skills she’ll now use to further her career.

Why did you decide to study finance and private equity at graduate school?

In my last role within corporate banking, I would meet clients from various economic sectors and
discuss with them the opportunities for financial management. The role convinced me that
specialized knowledge in the area of financial analysis, risk and investment management is vital
to understanding not only the consequences, but also the causes of a particular business case.
I believe that good financial expertise is a prerequisite for successful economic performance.

The skills a Masters in Finance provides are applicable not only in a professional setting, but
also in a number of daily life situations, since they give you the mind-set to evaluate and
analyze opportunities and challenges when coming to all sorts of decisions. I also find the
dynamic nature of the financial sector extremely interesting and compelling because of its
diversity and prospects.

Why did you choose to specialize in private equity?

Since private equity is a relatively young and extremely narrow business area, available data
and deal-flow information is limited and therefore extremely difficult to obtain. This course was
helpful in that it laid emphasis on the specifics of private equity deals, and through discussions
of particular business cases I was able to observe and analyze successes as well as failures of
various investors in the industry. What is more, guest lecturers who actually participated in the
specific deal often attended class in order to answer questions not raised in the case.
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I am interested in private equity because I enjoy the complicated structure of the deals, the high-
risk profile of the parties involved and the prospects of supporting ambitious entrepreneurs or
taking large companies private for further development.

Why did you choose the London School of Economics (LSE) for your Masters in
Finance?

First of all, the London School of Economics is the only university that offers a Masters in
Finance and Private Equity degree and therefore has a lot of connections with professionals in
this industry. Seminars with field professionals were conducted on a weekly basis, giving me
and my peers the chance to receive information on current trends and career opportunities.

LSE provides a great environment of culture, learning, and entertainment and is a top graduate
school for finance, not only because of the range of courses, but also because of its close
proximity to the City of London – the financial hub of Europe. The school is very well connected
and hosts various career fairs and networking events with professionals from the City. The LSE
brand is recognized by employers and will hopefully help open the door for an interview at one
of the world’s top financial institutions.

“The school is very well connected and hosts career fairs and networking events with
professionals from The City.”

The cultural location of LSE is another reason I chose to study there. At LSE you can take a
one-hour lunch break and visit the National Gallery, only 10 minutes away. Everything is within
walking distance, from museums to shopping centers, authentic international restaurants, or
even astonishing street performers in Covent Garden. Some of the world’s most famous theater
and musical shows are also taking place just two stops away.

The multinational nature of the school is another one of its greatest advantages, with students
coming from more than 100 countries across the world. In my view this contributes a lot to
individual development, since LSE places students in an environment where integration among
people of various cultural backgrounds is essential. LSE also has offers a great variety of
societies and extra-curricular activities to mix with students of different subjects and of different
views from my own.
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How has your MSc in Finance helped prepare you for a career in the financial sector?

The LSE MSc in Finance program focused more on real-life practicability than theory. Since I
was more interested in corporate finance than asset markets I mainly took case-based courses.
These classes were formed like discussions, giving the opportunity for every student to get
involved, share an opinion and even argue for their own solution. The cases were diverse and
emphasized the numerous types of problems a company’s management could face – from
corporate restructuring and bankruptcy to mergers and IBOs, even venture funding for startups.

“In my view, the point of financial expertise is not just to provide calculations based on
complex models, it’s a whole way of thinking.”

These classes also took into account country-specific factors, such as the legal environment
and cultural background of the parties involved, which I also found of great importance. I found
this approach to teaching to be more effective in terms of applicability since it stimulated
informed decision-making. In my view, the point of financial expertise is not just to provide
calculations based on complex models; it’s a whole way of thinking. In order to evaluate from a
financial perspective you have to be able to analyze strategy, business model and alternative
options for development of the company.

As well as the individual MSc in Finance classes, LSE also provided opportunities for students
to meet career advisors and practitioners in order to discuss their goals, the viability of their
career choices and their expected individual workloads. In my view, this was an advantage
since most students did not have prior work experience and it is important to have further
information resources in order to evaluate the best career path option.

Overall, I believe the MSc in Finance and Private Equity presented a number of the essential
preconditions for a successful career in finance.

Did you experience/learn anything unexpected during your graduate school experience?

Upon my arrival in London I had various expectations for the program. I anticipated gaining
extensive knowledge of the financial markets, deeper understanding of British culture and
superior language skills. What I did not expect is that I would enhance my knowledge about the
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cultures, mentalities, and political and social environments in more than 40 other countries. I
believe this is one of the greatest benefits of LSE. Communicating on a daily basis with people
from across four continents, all with different cultural backgrounds, prior experiences and
interests, made for a great learning environment. For me, this is what determined my personal
development more than anything else.

What did you enjoy about postgraduate study?

What I enjoyed most about postgraduate study is the fact that it’s much more practical than my
undergraduate degree. Moreover, it was focused on an area of my personal choice and
therefore provided more specific knowledge than the broad ideas and perceptions taught in my
bachelor degree.

I believe postgraduate study opened up a lot of doors for career progression, since the contacts
I’ve established with recent and past graduates, professors and practitioners could prove very
beneficial in the upcoming future.

What was the workload of your master's degree compared to your bachelor degree?

Compared to my undergraduate program, postgraduate study is much more intense.

Assignments are due almost on a daily basis; most of them organized between teams. This put
on a lot of time pressure but it also drove up efficiency. Overall, I think the pace of teaching was
fine, but the program requires full attention and I don’t think it’s possible to combine it with
employment, as I did during my undergraduate studies.

On an average day, what would you work on in class?

Because of my specialization in corporate finance and private equity I was primarily engaged
with case studies. In my other modules I studied the FOREX markets, the recent unconventional
monetary policy measures, and the various tools for risk management of investments.

What’s next for you?

I plan to go back to Bulgaria. Even though I realize that the financial sector in Bulgaria is fairly
developed compared to the UK, I’ve made my choice to go back because I see a potential for
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progress and room for change, driven by the young generation. Moreover, I think that
transferring experience from the UK can add value to the investment environment in Bulgaria
and my qualifications in the financial area can act as a stepping stone for further career
advancement.

What are your career goals?

I chose to specialize in private equity because I believe that startup companies are a powerful
driving force for the economic development of any country. A historically immense number of
business sectors have evolved based on entrepreneurship.

However, in order for this environment to flourish, one needs not only a pool of talented people,
but also a good entrepreneurial culture, broad markets for growth and a safe political and legal
environment for the investors. I believe that in Bulgaria we have some of these major
prerequisites. My long-term goal is to contribute to the development of the missing ones.

In the shorter term, I plan to obtain more work experience in Bulgaria’s financial sector either by
continuing with corporate banking or by getting involved in consultancy. I think that the skills,
knowledge and contacts I have obtained at LSE will be of benefit for me and will definitely play a
role when I try to accomplish these objectives.

CHOOSE YOUR COURSE WISELY

If you’ve decided to go ahead with further study, it’s time to make an important choice. The
more time and energy you put into choosing the right course and institution, the better off you’ll
be in the long run.

There is a huge array of different courses to choose from – some lasting for one year, others for
three years – and each requires and develops a different set of skills and abilities in its students.

The key to making the right choice is to think about what you want to get out of the experience:
do you want to gain detailed knowledge of a specific area of banking and investment, exempt
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yourself from professional exams, cross over from another sector, or get a broad understanding
of general business issues?

Whatever the reason, the course you choose should enable you to meet those needs.

Postgraduate study checklist

In general, when choosing courses, investigate and compare:

 the institution’s reputation and facilities

 its teaching and research ratings
 the course content (core and supplementary electives) and structure
 the job destinations and salaries of previous students
 industry links, work experience and networking opportunities
 which courses or institutions employers rate most highly, particularly if you already have
an ideal employer in mind.

How can postgraduate study help your banking graduate job application?

 Further study can demonstrate your intellectual capacity to employers.

 The sustained effort of working on a dissertation or thesis is a good example of self-
discipline, organisation, independent research and project management – particularly if
you managed it while juggling part-time work, work experience and extracurricular
activities.
 Presenting papers, giving talks and working on group assignments will hone your
presentation, co-operation and communication skills.
 Your university’s facilities can help you use your free time wisely – get involved in
extracurricular activities, attend any additional training modules and network at
conferences.

Finally...

Use the boxed checklist to make sure you’ve done all your research, then speak to course
directors and, if possible, prospective employers before accepting a place.
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Don’t forget to consider issues such as how you are going to fund your study and where you’re
going to live early on – due to the popularity of postgraduate qualifications the loan approval
process now takes longer than in previous years, so apply in good time to guarantee secure
finance.

Example interview questions for postgrad study

Getting an interview for a postgraduate course means that you have successfully demonstrated
your ability in your application. The interview is designed to further examine your skills and
commitment and to see how you would fit in to the institution or a specific research group.

Interview questions will vary depending on the kind of postgraduate programme you're going for
and you may have already addressed many of them in your personal statement or application.
Some typical questions are:

Why do you want to study this subject/course/research programme?

Show your enthusiasm and passion for the subject. Make reference to relevant modules and
projects, or a dissertation from your undergraduate study, which have persuaded you to develop
your interest further. If you have a career aim, show how the course will help you to achieve
this. Explain the unique contribution your research will make to the university, as well as how it
will fit with existing research (if appropriate). If you have had to submit a research proposal, be
prepared to discuss this in detail.

Why this university/college?

Demonstrate that you are familiar with the research strengths of the department and how it is
regarded in the academic community. You should also highlight any specific aspects of the
course that you find particularly attractive, such as how it is structured, its range of study
options, methods of assessment or the quality of its facilities. If you already study at the
university, present this as a positive feature.
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What skills can you offer?

Before your interview you should be fully aware of your academic and transferable skills. You
should also identify the specific competencies each course provider is seeking. You could find
out this information on their website, by talking to them or looking through postgraduate forums
online.

Avoid just listing your skills and instead include examples, outlining the following:

 Where you gained the competency they require, for example, from experience at work or
university.
 How you perform it to a high level, for example, you may demonstrate good teamwork
skills by taking other people’s ideas into consideration, supporting colleagues and being
responsible for your individual task.
 How your expertise will benefit the course, for example, your analytical proficiency may
help your team to carry out in-depth research.

What do you intend to do after you've finished the course?

Interviewers want to ensure that you are committed to their course so you should be able to
clearly outline why you are applying and how you plan to use the qualification. Even if you do
not have a clear career objective at this stage, some sense of direction will signal that you are a
serious candidate.

How do you intend to fund your study?

Make sure you have prepared well for this question. Check out any possible sources of funding,
including from the university, well ahead of time to see if you are eligible. Be prepared to show
how you would fund a course yourself if you are not successful in grant applications. Perhaps
you will work and study part time or use a career development loan. See GOV.UK: Funding for
Postgraduate Study for further information.

Which part of your degree course did you enjoy the most?

This question is designed to ascertain whether you have a genuine enthusiasm for the study
and research you will be undertaking. Promote the aspects of your undergraduate study where
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you excelled and demonstrate how this fired your interest. Show that you have researched the
subject and course you hope to study.

What do you feel are the main differences between undergraduate and postgraduate
study?

This is your chance to show that you have the skills and qualities needed for independent
research and study. Demonstrate that you understand that postgraduate study involves taking a
more proactive attitude to study, including independent reading, critical thinking, time
management, problem solving, tenacity and self-discipline.

Why should we accept you?

This is a gift question. It gives you the chance to use a prepared answer. State your strengths,
skills and relevant experiences, putting them in the order that creates the best impression.

The secret of successful postgraduate interviews

How to make an outstanding impression at the interview for your postgraduate course.

When applying for postgraduate study, you will need to demonstrate a strong interest in the
programme to which you are applying and outline why you are a strong applicant. You will not
always be interviewed for a taught Masters, but PhD candidates will usually be interviewed.

There are many similarities to job interviews, such as the need to prepare well, to show
enthusiasm and to ask appropriate questions. Academic interviews are usually less formal than
job interviews, but occasionally you might get a grilling on your subject knowledge.

What should I wear?

Interviews for vocational courses are likely to be more formal than interviews for research and
you will probably be expected to dress in exactly the same way as for a job interview.
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Smart casual dress is usually acceptable for academic interviews, but business studies
departments might expect more formality than art and design departments. Interviews for
research are likely to require less formal dress, but dress smartly if in doubt.

Who will interview me?

For most taught programmes you can expect to find the Programme Manager or Head of
Department and/or a member of academic staff on the panel. For research programmes, the
Research Supervisor will sit in on the interview. Remember that academics may not be trained
interviewers, so you may occasionally have to take the initiative.

How can I make myself stand out?

They will want to find out about you as an individual: will you fit in? Are you a good team
member? This is especially important in smaller departments. They will also be looking for
evidence of your enthusiasm in your subject.

Avoid simple 'yes' or 'no' answers: if you are asked a closed question, such as 'Have you
enjoyed your course?' open it up. Be polite, and do not be afraid to enter into discussion and to
stand your ground. Some interviewers will deliberately challenge your replies to see if you can
argue your point effectively. Remember that they will be looking at your ability to think for
yourself and will be more interested in your ideas, attitudes and opinions than getting the 'right
answer'.

Research the department carefully before you go for interview, and note any questions you want
to ask. Check out the research interests of academic staff in the department. Read the draft of
your application again to anticipate questions they may ask you, and work out in advance rough
answers to commonly asked questions.
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Top 10 Postgraduate Interview Questions and How to Answer them!

Facing an interview for postgraduate study is a daunting thought, so we’ve put together what we
think are the top ten interview questions and how best to answer them. The interview process
could decide whether you gain a place at your first choice university or not, so getting the
answers right is vital! Whether you’re facing an interview to study for a Master’s degree or PhD
funding, we think these are the ten most likely questions to crop up.

1. Why this institution?

This is a popular question that universities ask you in entrance interviews. The key to answering
it successfully is to match your answer with your application. Express your interest in the
university based on your research. Explain how you’re impressed with the successes and
achievements of the department or a particular academic that will be involved on your course.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm to study at the university and most importantly, explain how you
trust it to be the best place to develop your experience and skills.

You can find out more about all of the institutions in the UK with our list of universities.

2. Why this course?

Second on the list of top interview questions, answering it involves similar skills to the previous
question. Think hard about your reasons for applying for a particular course, perhaps it’s a
continuation of your undergraduate course or a development of your current career. Consider
career aspirations and options at all times and ensure you give a clear idea of your reasons for
applying. Prepare your answer for this question carefully as you can expect it to come up at
every interview you attend.

3. Tell me about yourself?

This does not mean your personal life. The interviewers don’t want to know that you were born
in Sheffield but grew up with your cat in Scarborough. Tell them why you are passionate about
the field of study you want to study in then tell them of any professional experience you have.
Keep the answer relevant and concise; facts and figures are helpful for doing this.
Extracurricular and volunteering activities are great examples of how you can include your
personal achievements whilst staying relevant to this question.
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4. What are your greatest strengths?

This is your time to shine! If you’re asked this question, it gives you permission to go all out with
listing your best skills, but be careful how many skills you list. Reeling off a list of skills with no
evidence won’t impress the panel. Instead, focus on three or four skills that make you a great
candidate and provide examples. You might be creative, a quick learner, flexible, hold great
people and teamwork skills; whatever you’re good at, let them know (with examples)!

5. What are your greatest weaknesses?

This is a tricky question to answer, nobody is perfect after all. Instead, state something which is
(or was) a weakness, but also explain the steps you have put in place to change this. You could
always just provide weaknesses the interviewer already knows such as lacking a Postgraduate
Qualification or state weaknesses that aren’t related to the course.

6. What are your career goals?

If asked this question, it’s important not to just state your career goals, you need to explain how
you intend to succeed. Broad statements like ‘wanting to become a specialist’ are
unmeasurable, instead you should state that you want to become a recognised leading expert in
the field with several published works. The goals should be attainable within the next five years,
although you may wish to elaborate further if appropriate.

7. What is your philosophy towards work?

There are many work philosophies that universities want to see. Motivation, focus, balancing,
creativity and resourcefulness are often top of their lists though. Pick out two or three work
ethics that you hold and give examples of when you’ve had to use them, for example, you may
have used time creatively in your undergraduate years, balancing work with university.

8. Are you applying for other courses?

Although it’s tempting to say, “No, of course not, this is the only University I’m interested in and I
want to spend my dying days in its libraries”, everyone knows this probably isn’t true and as
such, it won’t help you get on the course. Be honest, if you are looking at a few other courses,
tell them, but be sure to say why this course is the best of the bunch! It is of course advisable
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only to apply for related courses; applying for an MA in Humanities as well as an MSc in
Biosciences shows that you may not be passionate about a particular field of study.

If you haven’t decided which courses to apply for yet, start your search with Coursefindr.

9. What Would Be Your Dream Job?

Don’t give a specific job title or position, you’re asking for trouble if you do! Tell the university
interview panel instead about a dream career, free from titles or companies. This makes it
easier for the interviewer to understand what you want to do, as it allows them to create the job
you want in their mind.

10. What skills do you have that will help you succeed on this course?

In order to answer this question correctly you need to make sure you know the course profile
and course content like the back of your hand. You need to know what is involved in the course,
is it predominantly research based or are you required to complete practical work? When you
know this you can match your skills to what is required. Don’t be shy in reminding the interview
panel what is required of students on the course and explain how your skills (which you’ve
probably mentioned already by this point) match those prerequisites perfectly.

These are what we think are the top 10 questions asked by university interview panels in the
UK. If you’ve attended a postgraduate interview, why not let others know what questions you
were asked and perhaps even give your opinions on the best way to answer them!
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5 Interview Tips to Help You Ace Master’s Admission

The Master’s admission interview is the last step before admission and the first to make
you a truly desirable recruit.

Here are five interview tips you need to remember to really bring out the shine in you.

Interview tip #1

Prepare

Preparation is key to acing the Master’s interview. Knowing what to expect, and preparing for it,
is half the success. There are two main topics that are universally discussed during the admission
interview: motivation and expertise.

Motivation is the main theme of the Master’s interview. You need to be able to explain clearly why
you want to become a student at the given university. This includes both the particular programme
and the educational institution itself. In most cases, the bigger part of this particular topic will be
dedicated to the course itself.

Tell the interviewer what you want to learn and why.

Let’s say that you’ve applied to study Business.

You say you want to start your own business one day, but that is not “motivational” enough. You
have to be able to explain why you think this programme will help you learn more about
entrepreneurship, risk-assessment and management.

Let’s say that you’ve applied to study Finance.

You say you are fascinated with numbers and hard sciences. So what? Explain how one day what
you learn during this course, will help you optimise the operations budget of, say, a manufacturing
company.
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The other big part of the interview will be about your professional or academic expertise,
although this will also be linked to your motivation.

In my last blogpost, I mentioned that you will be expected to have relevant experience in the field
of your desired Master’s studies. At this point, you would have already proven that you do, but
now you must be prepared to talk about it.

Reread what you have written in your Master’s application (essays, questions, cover letter) and
use that as the basis upon which to build your verbal arguments.

Explain how the Bachelor’s degree has given you broad knowledge in your professional field, but
now you want to gain even more skills and an even deeper understanding of your profession.
This will show the recruiter that you have the necessary background, but you also understand
what a Master’s degree will ultimately grant you – an actual profession.

Finally, prepare something to say at the end of the interview. You will be given the opportunity to
say a random thing at the conclusion of your conversation with the admission officer, so have a
closing statement prepared. It is best to say something personal – perhaps what has inspired you
to study further.

Just avoid any clichés. They will work against you.

Interview tip #2

Relax

This might seem like the most obvious advice since your parents told you how to cross the street
but many people feel enormous stress when talking to a recruiter. Don’t worry – it will be the same
at your first job interview. However, as the Brits would say, you must keep calm. The most
undesirable outcome of being stressed during the interview is not even the trembling of your voice
over the telephone line. It is the very real prospect of you forgetting what you planned, or in fact
knew for certain that you had, to say. It’s like that exam in High School. You thought you were
well prepared but your knowledge magically evaporated the moment you saw the questions on
the test list. No, that was not a moment of temporary amnesia. It was the stress overcoming your
brain.
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Relieving yourself of the unnecessary stress prior to the interview will allow you to have a clear
and concise presentation. That will convince the recruiter that you are a confident and cool-
headed person – someone the school will be proud to have among its alumni one day. Failing to
get rid of that immediately noticeable shaky voice will make you seem somewhat unprepared.

Interview tip #3

Articulate

If you don’t want your interview to be an annoying “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?” ping-pong
match between you and the admission officer, you absolutely must learn to articulate. This is an
especially important phone interview tip. Some people have a general problem with articulation,
and some of you might have even visited a speech therapist as a child. If you have a known
speech impairment, and I’m not talking about a problem with pronouncing the letter “R”, it would
be best if you informed the interviewer at the beginning of the interview. For the rest of you, here
is what you need to do:

• Stir up the muscles in your mouth. This is not a joke. Hollywood actors do it all the time.

• Extend your voice forward. Make sure it comes from the front of your mouth and not from the
back.

• Speak clearly. Don’t just think about doing it. Practise it.

• Do not mumble. Emphasise the phonetic sounds that characterise each word.

• Pronounce the words in their entirety. When thinking about the words that you’re saying, think
about them as constructed of different parts that make up the whole, not as one word that you
have to spit out as fast as possible.

• Maintain a steady speed of speech

Interview tip #4

Impress
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Admission officers will judge everything you say. This is especially true for the most demanding
universities. In many cases, the things that you talk about will not be all about admission. You will
have to be prepared to discuss your interests and hobbies as confidently and concisely as you
answer questions related to the classic interview topics of expertise and motivation. When you
say that you are interested in politics and current affairs, you had better be prepared to talk about
the Russia-West relations, the first presidential election of a woman in Croatia and even the recent
terrorist attacks in France. This part of the conversation is designed to evaluate the width and
depth of your interests and the extent of your curiosity – both of which are important traits for any
postgraduate student.

Other things to consider here concern your overall presentation and here are some more
interview tips:

• Talk about things that you know about. If it is not related to your admission, there is no negative
impact to saying “I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with this topic”

• Be polite and well-mannered. If the connection is bad or the accent of the admission officer is
too unfamiliar to you, kindly ask to hear the question again. You have only one shot to show how
effective the first seven years of your life turned out to be.

• Do not try to use language above your current level. Your TOEFL or IELTS test score speaks
much better of your English skills than a 30-minute telephone interview.

• Do not try to speak with a native English accent, but also try not to sound like you’ve just
pronounced your first English word.

See some Commonly Asked Business School Interview Questions

My final interview tip – Smile

You know that feeling when you can actually “hear” the smile on someone’s face when you talk
to them on the phone?

Yes.
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That one.

Admission officers are very experienced in dealing with potential students, but they are people
too, and everybody likes a positive person. So be that person. Be positive. Remember to smile
and to enjoy the conversation.

However objective an admission officer is, you have everything to gain by making a good personal
impression.

In the end, what is a Master’s interview but two people talking about their common future?

Top 10 Graduate School Interview Questions

Grad School Interview Questions & Interview Tips

Your grad school interview can make or break your application. Show ‘em what a stellar
candidate you are by preparing your answers to some of the more commonly asked questions
in advance. Here are ten of our top picks for questions you might encounter during a graduate
school interview.

Why do you want to go here, instead of other schools?

This is your chance to show how much you know about this school, and how well you fit. A
detailed and thoughtful response demonstrates you cared enough to research the department of
your choice in advance. If you’re super stoked on the school, by all means, express it, but stop
short of sucking up. And if you’re not that stoked on the school, but it’s your only option for
financial or convenience reasons, you better think of a reason to get excited about it – fast.
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Example:

“I like (School X) because of its 1:3 faculty to student ratio, which is important to me because it
suggests I’ll get a lot of mentorship. Also, Billy Bob Corndog’s research focus on venomous
animals and poisonous plants of the Rocky Mountains aligns very strongly with my interests. It
would be great to work closely with him. I’ve also heard great things about the student culture
and fieldwork opportunities from Elvira Discovampire, who is a recent alum.”

What are your research interests?

Now you get to wax eloquent about your passion. Don’t hold back: the interviewer needs to see
your excitement and enthusiasm. Be specific, and address how your research interests fit with
the school’s curriculum. Don’t forget to include past schoolwork, work experience, publications,
and other accomplishments.

Example:

“My work is in the area of venomous animals and poisonous plants of the Rocky Mountain
region. I first became interested in this topic when I got lost up near the Continental Divide and
ate raw elderberries for sustenance, which caused some gastrointestinal issues, but piqued my
interest. In college I majored in Biology, and took coursework in Spiders of the Southwest,
Rattlesnakes of the Rockies, and Berries You Shouldn’t Eat. I also had a research assistant
position with Professor Hiss and together we published our findings as an article called “Beware
the Brown Recluse”, which was published in 2005 in the American Journal of Things To Avoid.

How will you contribute to our program?

This is the time to toot your own horn by responding with a combination of personal and
professional qualities. Again, be specific, and cite examples of these qualities you purport to
possess. Remember: in this case, modesty will get you nowhere, but try to stop short of
arrogance.
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Example:

“Well, I bring a unique research background. For example, I spent a summer in college doing
fieldwork that focused on identifying and tracking live nests of poisonous baby snakes. I’m really
excited about the advances in the field of poisonous baby snake tracking and love to experience
and employ the latest technology, such as heat-sensing devices and snake-tail spray painting.
There’s lots of opportunity for collaboration with other scientists and students I’ll meet in the
program. I also find my sense of humor comes in handy and can uplift others’ spirits during
stressful periods like finals, or getting accidentally injected with venom.”

What are your short-term and long-term career goals?

Your answer to this question provides the interviewer with a sense of your initiative, interests, and
ambition. A thorough and relevant response demonstrates you’ve spent some time reflecting on
the professional direction you’d like to take and how you see yourself getting there.

Example:

“I really admire Professor Hiss’s professional track – for about ten or fifteen years he focused on
snake and spider handling, research and publication on Australia’s deadliest creatures. Once
he had really established himself he stepped into an academic role. I see myself doing the same
– learning in the trenches in the short-term, and then teaching in the later part of my career. In
America, there’s a notable lack of university-based research centers on venomous animals, and
I have a dream of establishing a one. Ideally it would be located in the American Southwest so
as to have the best access to the most venomous animals.”

What do you see as the major trends in your field of study?

Here’s where the interviewer gets to assess how well you’ve kept up with current developments
in your field. It’s a time for you to note any recent journal articles you’ve read, conferences you’ve
attended, and the topics relevant blogs or websites in your field are covering. Adding your opinion
on the recent trends demonstrates you’ve spent time considering the pros and the cons.
 21

Example:

“In the past year, there’s a trend in Europe and in parts of Asia that involves dying venomous
animals in pastel polka-dot shades. The rationale is that it will make these animals easier to
spot, and therefore avoid, but frankly, I disagree with their choice of color and pattern. Pastel
polka-dots can make the animals look harmless and cartoonish and there have been several
instances in the past year of people grabbing the animals excitedly and sustaining a toxic bite
as a result. I like the approach used in East Africa in the 1980s of implanting a tiny musical
device within these animals that plays the theme song from “Jaws”. But that proved too costly
so the program was discontinued.”

Tell me about how you achieved a significant accomplishment.

This is not the time to be modest. State your accomplishments with confidence. But here’s the
trick: you’ve got to fall short of outright cockiness. In order not to come across as arrogant, notice
your tone of voice – does it reek of “I’m so great?” It can also be helpful to point out the difficulties
you faced in achieving your goal, or a detail in which you explain, in hindsight, what you could
have done even better.

Example:

“During my junior year of college we went to Arizona to do fieldwork. One component involved
trapping the most venomous animals without being bitten. I won by catching nine scorpions and
three Gila monsters in one day. It was tough! I was up all night, hiding under pine needles and
behind cacti. But I was determined to take home the prize, which was a trip to Australia to hunt
box jellyfish, so I made it happen.”

List some of your strengths and weaknesses.

Listing strengths should be easy. Again, this is not the time to be modest. Be clear and specific
about your strengths, but the “listing weaknesses” part can be tricky. You want to be honest, but
you’ve got to be careful not to look like a potentially problematic student. One way around this is
to discuss how you’ve been proactively working to change your flaws. Examples illustrating both
strengths and weaknesses are crucial.
 22

Example:

“My strengths include my passion for the subject – as I mentioned earlier, I’ll stay up all night to
catch Gila monsters and scorpions - and my attention to detail. I consistently get very positive
feedback on my detailed knowledge of animal behavior. One weakness is that I can get caught
up focusing too much on the details. For instance, I’ve been known to work for three hours on
one sketch of poison ivy. I’ve been addressing my tendency to obsess by allowing myself a set
amount of time to work. For instance, these days I set an alarm so that I allow myself to work for
45 minutes. When the alarm goes off, I have to stop or take a break. It’s been working well so
far.”

Tell me about your hobbies and interests.

Admissions departments want to know you’ll be able to achieve work-life balance. Here’s your
opportunity to show your interviewer you’re more than a one-dimensional student. Your answer
to this question has the potential to be very memorable.

Example:

“I know in order to keep a balanced lifestyle I have to attend to my health. I’m a squash player –
I play 3-4 times per week and I notice your school has some great squash courts, which is a
bonus for me! I also love to cook, especially Thai food, and tend to have small dinner parties
once or twice a month to be sure I’m getting some socializing in.”

Where else have you applied?

This is similar to “why do you want to go here?” The interviewer wants to know how committed
you are to attending their school. If you have applied elsewhere, let your interviewer know what
particularly interests you about this school. If you haven’t applied elsewhere, explain why you are
solely committed to their program.
 23

Example:

“I’ve also applied to University of Arizona’s graduate program, because the fieldwork
opportunities would be so excellent. But frankly, the faculty here is stellar, and the curriculum
here aligns better with my interests than the curriculum at U of AZ. This is my top choice.”

What questions do you have for me?

The only wrong answer to this question is “no”. If you’re committed to being a student at this
school, there’s got to be something you’re curious about and want to explore further. Ask about a
particular faculty member or research opportunity, what careers recent alums have pursued,
recent dissertation topics, etc. What better way to show your interest than demonstrating
curiosity? You may want to construct some questions as part of your interview prep so you are
ready to respond to this question with inquires that are insightful and demonstrate a sophisticated
understanding of the program, the university, and your field of interest.

Example:

Example: “I recently read a study by Dr. Corndog, on new methods for trapping Gila monsters -
since I have unique experience in this practice, I was wondering if there is an assistantship
opportunity on his staff?

Taking some time to prepare yourself for common interview questions may also help you frame
answers to unexpected questions that can arise during your appointment. Good Luck! Stay Calm!
Remember, if you weren’t awesome you wouldn’t have gotten the interview in the first place, this
is your time to shine.
 24

Are You Ready for Your Admission Interview?

Quiz yourself to see just how prepared you are, or aren't, for your upcoming interviews

Are You Ready?

Keep your eyes on your own quiz

1. The steps you take to prepare for the interview are:

a) Showering and skimming the school’s website a few times.
b) Researching the school by checking out its website and admissions materials. Speaking with
current and past students and faculty about their experiences there as well as areas of research.
Learning how it differs from similar institutions. Anticipating what interview questions you might
be asked and preparing answers. Deciding what key facts about yourself you want to be sure to
get across. Role playing the interview process with a friend.
c) Cracking your knuckles.

2. When dressing for the interview, you wear:

a) Elegant business casual, and maybe a small creative accessory if it doesn’t stand out too much
b) Doc Martens and a green Mohawk
c) A seersucker suit, and bring a pipe to smoke halfway through

3. My handshake is:
a) Firm and assertive
b) Cold, clammy and limp, like a piece of cod
c) Really hard, because harder is better!

4. When the interviewer asks you if you had any trouble finding the place, you answer:
a) “Oh, man, yes. Google maps totally messed me up. And look, check out the salsa all over my
sweater. That’s from the burrito I was trying to eat in the car on the way over.”
b) “No, because I have an amazing sense of direction. I also apply myself rigorously to every
course of study I choose. I took the Science Fair prize in 6th grade.”
c) “No, thanks for asking.”
 25

5. The interviewer asks you why you want to attend this school. You answer:
a) That you feel it’s a great fit with your skills and abilities, and go on to list specific and entertaining
examples that highlight how your experience, academic interests and philosophy mesh perfectly
with the school.
b) That it’s close by and cheap.
c) That it’s not actually your first choice, more like third, but you feel there are still some good things
about it, such as the great selection in the vending machines.

6. The interviewer asks you what you feel your weaknesses are. You answer:
a) “My pyromania”.
b) “My left knee, since I hurt it in a skiing accident.”
c) “I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed, but I think I’m getting better about it.”

7. The interviewer asks you some totally ridiculous, out-of-left-field question that you have
no idea how to answer. Here’s your reply:
a) “That’s a ridiculous question and I have no idea how to answer it.”
b) “Uhhhhh….” followed by a blank, deer in the headlights stare.
c) You make a valiant attempt to come up with some sort of creative and reasonable response,
and acknowledge that the question threw you off a bit. Then you get back on your game ASAP.

8. Your answers are:

a) Concise, with lots of examples illustrating your experience, and occasionally humorous.
b) Long winded, but you wrap up when you see the interviewer start to look bored and glance at
the clock. Usually.
c) Short. As short as possible.

9. After the interview, you:

a) Wait to hear from the interviewers about their final decision.
b) Cry, because you think you blew it.
c) Send a handwritten note or email thanking the interviewers for their time and reiterating your
interest in their program.

Pencils down.
 26

Answer Key:

1–B

2–A

3–A

4–C

5–A

6- C

7–C

8–A

9-C

Ok, now what?

Sure, the answers aren't rocket science, but use this quiz as a starting point of topics to cover as
you begin preparing and practicing for your interviews. Is your suit pressed and ready? Do you
have a portfolio with copies of your most recent resume? Have you started researching the
program, its faculty and their research?

Take it from us, don't wait until the night before your interview to begin preparing. If you do, you
may feel extra nervous, and it's likely to show through to your interviewers that you rushed to pull
yourself together. Take at least 30 minutes a day during the week prior to your interview and
follow these simple tips.

· Write down anticipated interview questions and your answers to them. This will allow you the
time to think through your answers and review them beforehand so you are less likely to
hesitate during the real deal.

· Review your resume for talking points, and think about timely anecdotes related to your skills
and experience.

· Read up on the members of the admission committee so you can ask intelligent questions about
their research and express your interest accordingly.
 27

· Lay out your outfit in advance so you aren't tempted to re-think it the day of the interview and
make yourself late because of it.

· Print out directions to the interview, plan ahead for parking arrangements and don't forget to
bring a campus map.

MASTERS IN FINANCE

Brief description of programme: The aim of this qualification is for the student
to develop applied competence in the mastering, interpretation, reflecting
on and application of principles in the broader field of finance. Through the
master’s dissertation, a qualifying student shows evidence of scientific research,
application of scientific research methodologies and an ability to reflect thereon
in the holistic context of finance.

Great Ways to Answer 10 Typical University Interview

Questions
Plenty of universities conduct interviews as a means of deciding between candidates who appear
equally well-qualified on paper, but unfortunately, applicants often crumble under the pressure of
the interview situation. The key to a successful interview lies in thorough preparation. We’ve
covered general university interview tips in a previous article, so this time we’re going to give
you some more specific guidance on excellent ways of answering ten of the most common
university interview questions.
 28

1. Why did you choose this subject?

This is probably one of the most important questions you can be asked during a university
interview. The interviewers are looking for people who can demonstrate a genuine interest in the
subject they’re applying for, and will want to know that you’ve chosen the subject for the right
reasons.

What to say:

“I feel this degree would be the perfect stepping-stone to my future career as a vulcanologist.”

 “Because I enjoy it” – you’re more likely to be committed and to succeed if you
genuinely enjoy the subject you’re studying, and you’ll probably also be better at the
subject. Someone who’s genuinely interested in the subject will engage more with it,
produce better work and contribute more usefully to class discussion.
 “Because it fits in perfectly with my career aims” – this shows them that your choice
of course is part of a well-considered long-term plan, meaning that you’re more likely to
be committed to it.
 A related answer might talk about the degree enabling you to achieve certain other
things, such as “help change the world” for politics, or “find a cure for cancer” for
medicine, and so on. These are exaggerated examples, although there’s nothing wrong
with being ambitious and having big aspirations when it comes to your subject!

What not to say:

Try not to sound too mercenary at your university interview.

 “Because it had the least number of applicants per place” – admissions tutors aren’t
going to be impressed if you’ve chosen their subject because you thought it would be a
soft touch or easier to get into.
 “Because I’m not likely to get the grades for [more competitive course]” – similar to
the implication that their subject is the soft option, it’s going to look equally
unimpressive if you say that you’ve chosen a particular subject – perhaps a less popular
one – because you didn’t think you’d get the grades for a more competitive subject.
What’s more, you should never introduce any negative thoughts about your grades – keep
the tone of everything you say positive.
 “Because my parents/teachers told me I should” – the admissions tutors will want to
know that the motivation for studying the course comes from you, not from external
influencers. Someone who is only applying for a particular subject because they’ve been
told to is likely to be less motivated to see the course through to its completion.
 “Because it will enable me to earn lots of money” – while earning potential can be a
powerful motivator, it’s better to use your answer to this question to demonstrate genuine
engagement with the subject, rather than focusing on longer-term financial gain.

2. Why did you choose this university?

 29

It’s not just your particular subject that admissions tutors want to see that you’re committed to.
They want to know that you have a good reason for choosing their university, because they’d
like to know that if they offer you a place, there’s a good chance that you’ll accept it. They also
want to know that you’ve done your research, so this question is a good opportunity to
demonstrate your knowledge of the university.

What to say:

Referring to subject-specific facilities will show you’ve done your research.

 “Because the facilities here for my subject are second to none” – this shows that your
subject has been at the forefront of your mind when making a sensible choice of
university, again demonstrating your level of commitment to it. You can mention specific
facilities to show that you’ve read into it thoroughly.
 “Because I liked the approach this university takes to my course” – even within the
same subject, every university takes a slightly different approach to the way it’s taught
and structured. The university question is another good opportunity to show that you’ve
really thought about the course and gone to the effort of finding a university whose
approach to the subject you agree with. You can even name specific modules that set this
university’s course apart from the others offering the same subject.
 Along similar lines, you could also mention the university’s great reputation for your
subject, or the presence of certain lecturers you feel inspired by (though don’t let this
last point dominate your answer; lecturers often move about or go on sabbatical, so even
if there’s a particular academic you admire, they may not end up teaching you).

What not to say:

The nightlife shouldn’t be your primary consideration at university.

 “For the nightlife” – this shows that you’re motivated by the wrong things. University is
primarily about studying, not about partying the night away, and answering this question
in this way may raise alarm bells, making interviewers question whether you’d be
committed to your studies.
 “Because it was cheaper than the others I looked at” – even if this was one of your
reasons, it’s best not to mention it; although finance is an understandable concern, it’s
better to focus your answer on your course.
 “Because my dad went here” – such an answer may carry a little bit of weight in an
American university, but it’s unlikely to do so here. It’s not really a strong enough reason
to apply to a university, and admissions tutors want to know that you’ve put a bit more
thought into it than that.
 “I couldn’t decide where else to apply” / “I was filling a space on my UCAS form” –
this tells the interviewer that you didn’t put much thought into your decision, and that
rather than having a genuine desire to study with them, you were simply making up the
numbers on your UCAS form.

3. Why did you choose your particular A-levels?

 30

You need to be able to justify the decisions you’ve made with regard to your education; this
question tests whether or not you’ve put thought into the direction you’re heading in, and helps
the interviewer ascertain that you’re motivated by the right things.

What to say:

You might, for instance, have chosen History at A-level to give context to an English Literature
degree.

 “I chose the subjects I thought would prepare me best for this course” – again,
keeping your answer focused on the course is always a safe bet.
 “I chose subjects that I genuinely enjoy and feel motivated to learn more about” –
this shows that you’re someone who’s motivated by their own interests, suggesting that
you’ll be committed to your chosen degree subject as well.
 “I chose subjects that would teach me a range of skills so that I’d get maximum
value from my A-levels” – this demonstrates that you’ve considered what each of your
A-level subjects will teach you, so as to give yourself the widest possible set of skills to
support your degree. It shows that you’re thinking about the long-term.
 “I chose subjects that would complement each other” – showing that you’ve thought
about how well your subjects work with each other is also advantageous, as it shows you
have a mind that can make connections and see the bigger picture.

What not to say:

 “I had to take Subject A because Subject B didn’t fit in with my timetable.”

 “I chose the subjects that would have the least homework.”
 “I didn’t like the look of any of the other subjects.”

Now that we’ve covered the main weighty academic questions in detail, let’s move onto some
more quick-fire answers.

4. What did you read on the train?

Questions like this – or more simply “what are you reading at the moment?” – are designed to
spark discussion as well as to test what you read beyond the confines of the A-level syllabus. Be
prepared to answer questions about whatever you mention here.

What to say:

You can consider how accurate Robert Harris’s depiction of Roman life is.

 A seminal work related to your subject, or something more obscure

 For scientists, a reputable publication such as Nature, Scientific American or New
Scientist would be acceptable (this shows that you’re keeping abreast of developments in
 31

your subjects), providing you can talk about specific articles or discoveries that interested
you.
 For non-English subjects, you could say a work of fiction if it’s highly relevant and you
think they’re likely to have read it – e.g. “Pompeii” by Robert Harris if you’re applying
for a Classical Archaeology subject (this would spark discussion of historical accuracy)

What not to say:

 Anything not subject-related

 Anything you haven’t actually read
 Anything popularist or discredited
 “Twilight” / “Cosmopolitan” / “The Daily Mail”

5. What can you bring to the university?

Avoid humorous or overly self-aggrandising answers here; instead, focus on selling yourself
(modestly) to the interviewer and highlighting the key traits that make you a good person to have
around. Support what you say with concrete examples of your experience.

What to say:

Your hamster probably shouldn’t feature in your interview.

 “As an enthusiastic member of my school debating society, I enjoy academic debate, so I

think I’d be able to contribute a lot to class discussions.”
 “I’m good at organising things, and keen to get involved with running events for the
department.”
 “I love giving presentations, especially preparing great handouts, so I think I’d be
particularly useful when it comes to group work.”

What not to say:

 “A wicked sense of humour.”

 “I’m great at rugby.”
 “My hamster.”

6. What are your weaknesses?

The key to an effective answer to this question is to turn the negative angle into something that
isn’t really a negative.

What to say:
 32

Try to make it sound as if you’re dedicated to your course, rather than having difficulty
controlling yourself in Waterstone’s.

 “I’m a total perfectionist – I sometimes spend too long agonising over work to get it just
right.”
 “I spend far too much money on books.”

What not to say:

 “I’m really lazy.”

 “I take criticism really personally” / “I can be very aggressive if someone questions my
opinion.”
 “I don’t have any.”

7. What work experience have you done? What did it teach

you?
Admissions tutors will be interested in the work experience you’ve done, especially if it relates
to your course. Even if it doesn’t, though, work experience develops your maturity and gives you
transferrable skills.

What to say:

Your work experience has almost certainly taught you something relevant, even if it doesn’t
seem that way.

 Subject-specific work experience is ideal; you can then say things like “it taught me that
this is definitely the career I want to pursue” or “it gave me an interest in this particular
aspect of the course” or “it taught me about the challenges this industry faces”.
 “Handling this difficult situation in my part-time job taught me that it’s important to
persevere, even when you feel like giving up – something that applies to any situation,
but especially academia.”
 “I spent the summer working as a personal assistant to a researcher in a research and
development lab, which taught me to be very organised. It also gave me a unique insight
into how academia can be applied to the real world.”

What not to say:

 “I wouldn’t say I learnt anything from it.”

 “I worked in a coffee shop and it taught me that I hate customers.”

8. What do you see yourself doing after university?

 33

This question addresses how much you’ve thought about the future, and how your degree fits in
with that.

What to say:

Your interviewer isn’t interested in your matrimonial plans.

 A career that fits naturally with what you’re studying

 “I’d like to continue the subject to Masters/PhD level and become an academic.”

What not to say:

 “Travelling.”
 “Marrying someone rich so I don’t have to work.”
 “I haven’t really thought about it.”

9. What achievement are you most proud of?

This is another chance to highlight your suitability for and interest in the course, so try to make it
subject-relevant if possible.

What to say:

Don’t get the bathtub ready just yet.

 “I felt proud to be awarded first place in a poetry competition with a sonnet I wrote
about…” (if you’re applying for English)
 “I recently won the Senior Challenge for the UK Mathematics Trust.”
 “Achieving a 100% mark in my AS-level History and English exams – an achievement I
hope to emulate at A2.”

What not to say:

 “Getting a Guinness World Record for having spending the longest time in a bath filled
with Baked Beans.”
 “Being made Prom Queen at my Year 11 Leavers’ Ball.”

10. Why should we offer you a place?

Finally, the question every student dreads. Try to keep your answer short and sweet; if this
question comes last, it’s probably designed to wrap up the interview.

What to say

Only chance a joke at the end of your interview if you feel confident that it would be appropriate.
 34

 This is a good opportunity to recap what you’ve highlighted already – your strengths,
career aims, what you can contribute and so on.
 At the very end, if you judge that the interviewers would respond well, you could also
lighten the tone and end on a note that injects some of your personality, by saying
something like “Also, I’m told I bake a good cake!” (with a grin).

What not to say

 “Because I’m better than all the other applicants” – trashing your fellow applicants is
ungracious, and making an unsupported statement like this is unlikely to convince your
interviewers.

Armed with these model answers (which are only suggestions, by the way – feel free to add your
own), adapted for your own purposes, you should now be well prepared for tackling the most
common interview questions. Good luck!