Case Study

Irina Papolczi

BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance

Irina is a first-year Accounting and Finance student at the University of Sunderland in London. She tells us about transferring courses and using her passion to get the knowledge she needs to go after her goals.

I love that you get to meet people from lots of different backgrounds and have had a wide range of experiences.

“When I first started at the University of Sunderland in London, I was studying for my BSc in International Tourism and Hospitality Management.

But after a while, I decided to transfer to BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance - it’s always been my passion and it sort of just took over.

I actually have a hospitality management background. I’m a Senior Manufactory Manager in a food production company, a job I’ve had since before I joined the University.

I started in the Tourism, Hospitality and Events department because my aim is to open my own travel company when I finish my studies.

I have over 14 years’ experience in the industry, which puts me in a good place to get started. But I realised I need to understand the financial side of any business I set up, which was a major reason for changing my course.

I like to think of my choice to apply for the University of Sunderland in London as a mix of destiny and research.

I applied through an agency which helped inform me of the different university choices I had. They suggested the University would be a good fit for me and they were right!

I had a few choices of where to apply, but I’d seen some really good feedback from other students studying here.

People talked a lot about the international environment, the mix of cultures and, in particular the wide age range of the students.

It made me feel like I wasn’t the only one, trying for a degree as a mature student. I thought, “if they can do it, so can I”.

I love that you get to meet people from lots of different backgrounds and have had a wide range of experiences.

It’s an opportunity to learn from them and apply what they know to your own life and studies.

This is my first year, and I’m already so impressed with the amount of support you get.

Everyone, from the lecturers to the admin staff and librarians, are focused on one thing – making your student life great.

I would encourage every student to come and study at the University of Sunderland in London.

You will get guidance and support, plus you’ll really be listened to.

It’s a great place to start your future.”

Want to follow in Irina footstep? Take a look at our Business, Management and Finance now.

You can also register your interest or book a personal consultation to find out more.

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