I take great pride in having WBS on my CV

Like many students I had no idea where my career would go after university and that was a freedom of thought which I enjoyed. I did know that I wanted to build upon my degree with a professional qualification, and became a Chartered Accountant with KPMG in London after graduation.

With a degree from WBS and an ACA on my CV I found it easy to get interviews for interesting roles in top organisations. I opted for investment banking and subsequently progressed through NatWest Global Markets and JPMorgan to my current role where I run the Operational Risk function for Macquarie Group's business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. I ensure that businesses within the group adequately understand and manage their risks to ensure the organisation avoids a Barings or SocGen scale catastrophe.

WBS prepared me well for the career path that I have ultimately followed. In particular the diversity of subjects which the course allowed me to study, from financial analysis to industrial relations, encouraged me both to broaden my views and develop a commercial acumen.

At WBS I was surrounded by extremely smart, sharp, and energetic colleagues, both students and staff alike. Without a doubt this inspired me to bigger and better things and prepared me well for working in an environment that is rich in highly motivated and talented individuals.

Despite leaving full-time education 18 years ago I have never stopped learning and developing. I take great pride in having WBS on my CV and appreciate the opportunities it has allowed me to pursue.

Paul Neale, BSc Accounting & Financial Analysis 1987 (now BSc in Accounting & Finance),
Operational Risk Manager, Macquarie Group