(Mathematics with Finance and Accounting BSc, 2020)
The findings from my dissertation showed that Islamic architecture utilises a plethora of mathematical concepts ranging from Wallpaper groups to Symmetry rules and so on. The results leave the reader pondering what came first – mathematics or architecture?
Why did you choose to study BSc Mathematics with Finance and Accounting at Queen Mary?
During my A-Levels I had absolutely no idea where to go from there. My parents wanted me to pursue a career in Medicine (clearly didn’t end up going well!). I realised I was not interested in this, so I started researching into different fields and degrees centering around other fields. My problem-solving and analytical skills are some of many which I pride myself on and I felt they would be best utilised in a degree in Maths. I remember my A-Level Mathematics teacher put a career in finance in black and white for me. I explained the benefits of me breaking the mould to my parents and they agreed. In terms of the finance part, I knew this degree would help me prepare for a career in this field, so I ended up selecting is as it featured the best of both worlds. The content in this degree programme is truly second to none and really helped me discover my strengths and interests.
Which modules did you most enjoy and did any academics have a strong influence on shaping your time and studies here?
While all the modules I undertook during my time at Queen Mary were interesting, the module I most enjoyed was the Third Year Project. It allowed me to explore a variety of concepts which I couldn’t explore elsewhere in my degree. Under the supervision of the amazing Dr. Shabnam Beheshti, I was able to explore the mathematical implications of geometric tessellations in architecture, specifically Islamic architecture, which allowed me to give a personal touch to my project. The findings from my research showed that Islamic architecture utilises a plethora of mathematical concepts ranging from Wallpaper groups to Symmetry rules and so on. The results leave the reader pondering what came first – mathematics or architecture? And I think that’s a really cool concept when you think of the bigger picture.
I managed to secure a Tax Spring Week at KPMG through a partnership they ran with Queen Mary and Queen Mary's QTaster programme offered an insight session at EY which is what made applying to this firm one of my main aims.
Were you a member of any societies or volunteering groups during your time at Queen Mary? If so which and what did you gain from them?
Like all freshers, I joined absolutely every society imaginable in my first year (there are literally hundreds and they’re all very interesting and useful – I highly recommend checking them out!). The one society that stood out to me and which I continued throughout my degree and into my professional life was the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi). Founded in 1904, AKPsi is the world’s largest international business fraternity with Chapters in China, America, England, Canada and Panama. I was incredibly fortunate to receive the opportunity to attend their 2019 global Convention (all expenses paid!), in Dallas, Texas. I was able to meet members from all around the world and attend conferences and workshops which allowed me to gain essential professional skills. This is the only society that offers lifetime membership – upon graduation you become a lifetime member and I was able to help create a Chapter during my postgraduate studies at University College London.
Do any special memories stand out in particular from your student days?
Some of my favorite memories are surprisingly from the library (I promise I’m not boring). Just entering the library, you run into so many people you know who you might not have seen for a while – planning breaks, studying together and pulling all-nighters to study with my friends were definitely my most memorable moments!
Tell us about your current role as a Graduate Tax Consultant at EY. How did you secure your first role post-graduation and what attracted you to this company in particular?
Surprisingly, when I first started university, I had no knowledge about what the Big 4 (or accounting firms in general) were. I learned about these through the amazing insight events organised by the wonderful Careers team at Queen Mary. I even managed to secure a Tax Spring Week at KPMG through a partnership they ran! That was what really cemented Tax for me and pushed me to pursue a role in this field. The QTaster programme offered an insight session at EY which is what made applying to this firm one of my aims for applications. The consultancy aspect I decided on after participating in the QConsult program during my time there (you get paid to complete and gain experience in consultancy work!). I secured my role through utilising all the essential skills I learnt throughout my time here and putting them into action during my application process.
How have you found the transition from studying to working life and what has helped you adapt so far?
I’ve found the transition from studying to working life very smooth so far! I knew I wasn’t ready for work life upon the competition of my degree and so I decided to do an MSc in Finance immediately after graduating from Queen Mary. Literally two weeks after I submitted my dissertation, I started Tax College as part of my graduate program at EY. I had mandatory 9am – 5pm classes to help prepare me for the ATT. After 2 months of these (and some very long tax exams), I started working! EY allocated me a counsellor and a buddy in addition to my manager who really helped me get to grips with my work.
How is your degree relevant to this job? Are there any particular areas of your degree that you use in your day-to-day job?
The financial aspects of my degree are most relevant to my current job. Financial Maths I and II have been particularly helpful as they have allowed me to gain the knowledge necessary to calculate interest charges and tax penalties which my clients may be subject to. Introduction to Accounting was also extremely useful as I was able to use the ratios as part of my accounting module in my ATT qualification.
The content in this degree programme is truly second to none and really helped me discover my strengths and interests.
What are your career plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to develop my skills in tax through further exams via the CTA qualification. I have also been selected to be a dual handler (one of 20 in the whole of EY UK!) for both US and UK tax so I have my US qualifying exams to look forward to next year too. I look forward to using these skills in my secondment in New York in 2023. On top of this I look forward to developing a closer bond with my team and being able to buddy a new graduate of my own to help prepare them for the world of work.
What advice would you give to a prospective student considering studying BSc Mathematics with Finance and Accounting?
I would say 100% go for it! The skills you gain, the fellow students you meet, and the amazing academics will all help prepare you for the world of work and truly get you ready for anything that may come your way. One of the key things I’d say is to completely immerse yourself in the experience – I’m an introvert so I completely understand the fear of participating and getting involved in something new, but I promise it will all pay out in the end.
Finally, outside of work, what do you do to unwind? Is there anything people find surprising or admiring about you?
Sadly, I am often too tired to do anything after work now… But I usually spend my time going to see my friends – we always either travel and see different places or explore London! I love going out and seeing the nightlife too, which I can hand on heart say London has the best of. Something people find surprising about me is that I’m a creative at heart. I love oil painting and writing poetry (I’m actually a published poet). People are always so shocked when considering my analytical academic background!
If you would like to get in touch with Musa or engage them in your work, please contact the Alumni Engagement team at alumni@qmul.ac.uk.