Jia

Why did you choose to study your course at Surrey?

I chose to study at Surrey because of its strong reputation and the positive feedback I had heard about both the university and Surrey Business School. What really stood out to me was the welcoming student culture, the modern campus architecture, and the world-class facilities available to students. The campus environment felt very vibrant and inspiring, and honestly, the lake was a lovely bonus that made the university feel unique. 

I wanted a place where I could grow academically while also enjoying my overall student experience, and Surrey felt like the perfect fit.

What are the best things about Surrey and your course?

One of the best things about Surrey is its friendly and inclusive culture. Shared spaces like The Hive and the lake create a great atmosphere where students can relax, collaborate, and connect with others. 

My course is newly introduced this year, and being part of the first cohort has been an exciting experience. The professors have been incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in helping us succeed, which has made the learning experience both engaging and rewarding.

What are the best things about life here as a postgraduate student?

One of the things I enjoy most about postgraduate life at Surrey is the diverse and multicultural environment. You meet people from different backgrounds, learn about new cultures and build meaningful connections beyond your course. Being a Course Representative and Student Ambassador has allowed me to connect with students from across the university, which has been a very rewarding part of my journey. These experiences have contributed greatly to my personal development, confidence and communication skills, making my postgraduate experience much more enriching. This keeps your voice and experiences, just written more smoothly and professionally for a university profile.

What are your career plans?

My career goal is to build a career in the banking and financial services sector, specialising in AML (Anti-Money Laundering), KYC (Know Your Customer requirements and processes), financial crime prevention, and risk management. Before starting my postgraduate studies, I worked at Genpact India Pvt Ltd, where I gained one year of experience in transaction monitoring. That role gave me practical exposure to compliance processes, identifying suspicious activities, and understanding the importance of risk control within financial institutions. 

Through my studies at Surrey, I hope to further strengthen my technical knowledge and analytical skills, and eventually work in a role where I can contribute to protecting the financial system from financial crime.

What advice do you have for students thinking of doing this course?

My advice would be to stay curious, be open to learning, and make the most of every opportunity the university offers. Don’t limit yourself to academics alone: engage with professors, participate in university activities and connect with students from different backgrounds.