Katie Merrin

What did you enjoy most about your degree programme?

I loved the flexibility and variety of module options available, which allowed me to fully tailor my degree in whichever direction I wanted. For example, in my final year, my module choices were 100% optional, meaning I was able to choose modules I was most interested in and could also choose modules according to my strengths.

Some of the students we are profiling have been awarded a departmental prize or award in recognition of their exceptional achievements. If this applies to you, please can you tell us about this and what it means to you?

I was awarded the Dean’s Commendation for Exceptional Performance in 2021/22 and 2022/23. This was awarded to me because my results were in the 95th percentile of my cohort. I was extremely proud to have received this award and be given recognition for the efforts I put into my studies. Having this recognition has also helped me to stand out to employers and opened up more opportunities for me, such as becoming an Economic Scholar at the University this year.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was the Financial Services Secretary for the Business and Finance Society, member of Economics Society, French Society, Exe Entrepreneurs, and Women in Business.

What was the highlight of your time at Exeter?

I personally think the highlight of my time at Exeter was my graduation week. It was a fantastic experience to celebrate my own and my friends achievements together. I hugely enjoyed the atmosphere on Streatham Campus all week, as there was a real sense of community and pride as everyone attended their own ceremonies and came along to support their friends too. The graduation ball at the end of the week was a brilliant finale and lovely celebration with all of the friends that I made over the last 3 years. 

What will you miss the most about University?

I will miss the people the most, and the large support network that I had at University. Whilst at Exeter, I was lucky enough to build a fantastic friendship group that stayed with me through the whole 3 years, as well as being heavily involved with societies and other extracurricular activities. Although I am sure I will stay in touch with many of the people I have met, I will definitely miss seeing everyone regularly and always having an opportunity to meet up or do something at any given time.

What advice would you give to current and future students? (If you are an international student what would you like to tell future students from back home who might be thinking about applying to study in Exeter?)

 My advice would be to take every opportunity that interests you, and if you are worried that you don’t have enough experience or expertise, apply to things anyway! My other advice would be to use rejection as a learning opportunity and know that something better for you will come along. I experienced a lot of rejection throughout my degree, as did many of my friends, when applying for internships and graduate jobs. However, I eventually ended up securing some fantastic opportunities, so rejection really is just part of the process and you just have to keep trying until eventually the right thing will fall into place!

What are your plans now that you have graduated?

In September 2023, I will be starting a graduate position as a Technology Transformation Analyst at Deloitte Digital, within the Consulting Service Line.