Lei Su

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Guohai Securities

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I took an internship in Beijing’s Zhitong Consulting Company after I graduated from Exeter, working as an associate in the business consulting group. Then I went to Shenzhen in April 2020 and interned in the broker department. I am in charge of conducting macroeconomic research now.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I really want to work as a finance analyst because I think it is interesting to understand how the finance world works and I am curious about the different factors that might influence the decisions of investors. Mostly, I also want to know how the strategies work and how to increase the capital that we invest into the market. I think it is also the most interesting part of my work, because I have to try to figure out the factors that might influence the macroeconomics.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The whole curriculum is well designed and I learnt not only the theory but also some practical skills. For example, we were given some Excel modelling training in the Finance modelling class, which I find really useful in my current job. What’s more, since I am a FAFM student, which means I have to take CFA exams during my postgraduate year, I think the CFA training classes were quite helpful and I also benefited from it a lot. I also want to express my appreciation for the director and coordinator of FAFM programme, for all the effort they made for the students. It was delightful to see that they were always trying to help and communicate with the students.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

To be able to live independently, and also the campus environment is fantastic.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Exeter is an established university in the UK and MSC FAFM is one of the best programmes in the University.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Excel skills and financial modelling.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

For Chinese students, if you want to take a chance to work in the UK, then plan everything ahead. September is the best time to apply for internships for the next summer.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to work in the security company and become an financial analyst.