Graduate shares his Business Economics journey and following in his father's footsteps

Posted on: 4 September 2024 by University of Liverpool Management School Alumni team in 2024

James Poulsom, a recent Business Economics graduate, shares his journey studying at the Management School, highlighting his most memorable experiences and reflects on following in his father's footsteps.

What made you choose the Management School for your studies?

Throughout school I always achieved highly and was always more motivated by similar subjects to those that the Management School offer. The idea that I could fully relate anything I learnt in Business Studies or Economics really helped me engage much more and that transferred right through to university.

How would you describe your experience studying at the Management School?

There are always plenty of events on offer to help your studies and grow your own personal skill set. I still remember the first event I attended in first year being an excel proficiency session, arguably one of the most useful couple hours of my four years considering how much I use it now. A personal highlight for me would be my year in industry placement at Grant Thornton UK LLP, which equipped me with not just academic experience but also aiding my personal development. Throughout the course, I engaged with a diverse range of modules, from Behavioural finance to Accounting and Financial Management, which have equipped me with the skill and confidence needed for the next step in my career.

What were some of the most memorable moments or highlights?

From a social perspective, the cricket club provided me with plenty memories. Wednesday socials were always a good laugh and an opportunity to meet a range of people, providing me with some of my best mates. Bongos Bingo was a personal favourite of mine. But one of the most memorable points of each year was our post final exam pint in the Cambridge.

James and friends celebrating their University of Liverpool Management School graduation.

Your father also graduated from the Management School with an MBA in 2007. How did this influence your decision to study at Liverpool? How does your father feel about your graduation and following in his footsteps?

2007 was the last time I had been to Liverpool before I turned up to start my course 13 years later. As a 6-year-old I can’t say I remembered too much so it was a brand-new city for me!

James and his family in Liverpool for his father's graduation in 2007.

It was always nice to try and point out and find the spots we went to for his graduation weekend and a full circle moment when he came back up for my graduation.

The graduation day in itself was a great day, reflecting and reminiscing on the great memories and experiences in the amazing city that Liverpool is.

What are your plans following graduation?

I’m taking a year to again go and follow in my dad’s footsteps by playing a cricket season in Cape Town for his old club from when we lived there. Then most likely go back to Grant Thornton where I completed my year in industry placement.

Do you have any advice for current and future students at the Management School?

The best thing I did was join the cricket club, providing me with some great mates and something to do every week. It’s a great way to meet people. So any society you think you’d be interested in, join it and give it a go. Try and get in a routine with studying and socialising, you don’t want to get to exam period behind, it is very stressful!