Why did you choose to study this Masters course at Alliance Manchester Business School?
There are a number of reasons why I chose to study here in AMBS. AMBS is one of the few universities I researched that specifically has a masters course dedicated to Accounting instead of the more popular/ubiquitous Accounting & Finance course available everywhere else. I also chose AMBS for its prestige (21st for Accounting & Finance according to QS World Ranking) and graduate employability ranking being one of the best in the UK.
What were you doing before your MSc?
I did my undergraduate studies at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University in Japan, attaining the degree of Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Accounting & Finance. Between graduating and enrolling in AMBS, I went back to Indonesia to study Indonesian Tax Law and Tax Accounting.
What are your career plans after graduation?
I plan to get a job in the UK, preferably at the big 4 accounting firms (Deloitte, Ernst & Young, PwC, and KPMG) in the Assurance department, whilst getting myself ready to get an accounting qualification. My plan B is to do the same in Singapore as it is one of the biggest economic hubs in the world. Eventually I would move back to Indonesia and perhaps open my own accounting firm in Indonesia.
What is the best thing about studying at Alliance MBS?
What I love the most about studying here is that the professors teach many things that most other teachers will not be able to convey, and I think it is because the professors in AMBS are research-oriented professionals. As a student, I am always challenged to think critically about the issues and challenges faced from a variety of perspectives, and I believe that the knowledge I can gather will be beneficial as a person working in that industry.
How much time do you spend in classes and in private study?
I spent around 10-12 hours in class per week. For private study, most of my time are spent on reading materials which can take up to 25 hours each week depending on the length and difficulty of the readings.
How would you describe your student experience so far?
The first week was quite hectic as I was taking care of all necessary procedures that need to be done, from getting my BRP card to making a bank account to attending the orientations provided by the university. Fortunately I was able to make many new friends whether it be my new flatmates, friends from my country, classmates in the same course, and friends that I met through various activities and societies. The class that I am in are also starting to get intense as there are more readings and the lecturers started giving out group works. Overall, I can confidently say that I am enjoying my student experience here.
What’s the best thing about living in Manchester?
I believe that for me, the best thing about living in Manchester is meeting the local Mancunians. Every Mancunians I have met are very friendly even though it might be my first time talking with them. They made me feel relaxed and confident when talking with them. Other than that, I felt blessed that the city has two world class football team to cheer on, as there is nothing better than cheering for your favourite team with everybody else around you.
What advice would you give to those considering studying at Alliance MBS?
Alliance Manchester Business School is a great choice for students who are willing to learn from one of the best professors out there. My advice to future students would be to not only learn hard, but also enjoy everything the city and the university has to offer, from societies to volunteering work to part-time jobs to experiencing British culture.
What was your experience like on the Brathay residential trip? (If you attended)
Brathay was a blast for me. Unfortunately, it was raining hard on the day of the activities but overall, I had fun interacting with new friends from my programme and testing my limit of my capabilities as a leader and a human being. One of the activities require a person to lead the team to row a boat as only the leader can see in which direction the boat is heading. It really tested my capability to concisely and easily lead my team.