Seeking further advice regarding career and uni

Hello all 

I made a previous post similar to this but just have a few more questions (https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/job-search/advice-regarding-finance-and-uni)

Im currently working as a Wealth Management Intern (not a uni internship) at a small, but growing accountancy and advisory firm. While this isn’t as glamorous as the work I’d like to be doing it’s a step in the door to finance and takes to me my next question.
 

Obviously it depends if I get in, but I’m considering trying to get into Durham next year via foundation year then doing a degree in Finance (my A-Levels weren’t great, only one A grade equivalent results).

I was just curious, would doing a foundation year, being a mature student (I’d be 21 y/o at start of foundation, and 25 y/o by finish) and lower A Level results than the average candidate affect my chances, and if so, how much?

Im keen to take on as many internships as possible during my time at uni, really knuckle down with the course and lectures and do any optional modules and get involved with any relevant groups/societies.

Thanks for reading, I look forward to hearing your opinions.

note: sorry I can’t be of any value to the forum, but hopefully one day I can be and help out people in my position.

12 Comments
 

Yeah, it’s a really interesting little project. I’ve learnt loads and it’s helped out thousands of people. Also made really good connections like I mentioned. We’re currently looking at ways to monetise it.

 
Most Helpful

Durham finance is infinitely better than the unis you were enquiring about before.

Yes your A Level grades will matter, no your age won't matter. How much the grades matter depends on who exactly is looking at your application and what kind of job you're going for and a whole bunch of other factors that you cannot determine ahead of time. Some jobs have an A-Level threshold to apply. Some don't. It isn't always transparent.

No, your ownership of HENRYUK subreddit does nothing (in fact I find it quite funny to learn the owner is in fact not a HENRY, but an unemployed student). I would actually leave this off because I just wouldn't want to flirt with compliance issues around potentially giving financial advice (even if that's technically not what you're doing). I'm familiar with the sub, I don't think it's that meaningful anyway.

 

Thanks for the reply and insight!

Fortunately I’m not unemployed but I do ok for my age. 
 

But yeah, I took a look at the various target lists on here, thought Manchester was better until I looked at them. Hopefully can get into Durham.

 

What were your A-levels? You say A-Level equivalent so not sure. You could take some A-Levels in a year and aim higher, tbf.

 

Sorry for the confusion. I did take A Levels, my results were:

Business - B

Geography - C

Media Studies - Distinction * (equivalent to A*)

EPQ - B

Obviously not the best grades and subjects for this industry but I’m sure I could redeem myself with knuckling down in uni. If I didn’t mention, grades were definitely impacted by COVID unfortunately.

 

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