London is Calling
- Chloe Rose Huelsemann (London)
- Oct 23, 2017
- 3 min read
The Business Britain study abroad program came at an exciting time for me, as I was preparing to enter my junior year of college. Since high school, I have maintained a keen desire to study abroad, particularly due to my love for travel and constant interest in broadening my worldly knowledge and perspectives. However, as my schedule began to quickly fill up and intensify, my academic adviser warned me that a lengthy exchange program was no longer realistic. As such, Business Britain was the perfect opportunity for me to fully immerse myself in the study abroad experience, while maintaining my academic schedule and goals. More importantly, it allowed me to dive into the fascinating topics of global business, finance, technology, and international relations, all while forming tight-knit bonds with my fellow teammates.
Rise of FinTech and Career Aspirations
Throughout the program, I learned more about how traditional companies, such as Lloyd’s of London, are adapting to swift changes in the technological realm that is beginning to dominate modern business. This is of particular interest to me, as the company I currently intern for (a small, public accounting firm) identifies its competitive advantage as maintaining traditional values. Can “old school” procedures survive as a niche, especially as their target market and clients (Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, and older retired wealthy individuals) diminish in number and power?
My main takeaway from this program, in regards to my future career, is the need to prepare myself with technological expertise in order to maintain a competitive edge within the business world. Never having self-identified as “tech or computer savvy”, I assumed a career in business would keep me safe from such responsibilities. However, as I pursue a double major in accounting and finance, I have come to realize the technical skills needed to thrive in such industries, which only became more apparent while on the program.
With the rise of FinTech, financial disintermediation, and P2P platforms, banks must find a new role, disposing of the once dull stereotypes of a career in banking and finance. However, one of the key issues that continues to plague the industry is a lack of work-life balance, an ideal I value above almost anything else. Although the American finance industry is slowly improving work hours, I have begun to consider options working in corporate and private accounting. While traveling Europe and while staying in London, I noticed a drastic contrast to the American’s perception of overworking leading to success. Many European countries seem well-aware of the positive correlation between greater time-off and productivity levels in the workspace, even if “time-off” is considered a several-hour-long lunch break at the pubs, as is the custom in London. This has led to a greater appreciation of the European work culture, a business culture in which I could easily see myself thrive. This program, most importantly, has encouraged me to pursue the idea of working abroad, particularly in London, for several years after graduating, in order to gain worldly knowledge that is so vital in such a globalized economy.
Program Takeaways, Advice, and Personal Reflection
Based off the detailed itinerary provided by program directors Debra Glassman and Angela Shelley, I was at first expecting an extremely busy schedule, and began to worry that I would not have enough free time to explore London on my own. However, as the program progressed, I greatly appreciated the layout of each day, in which we often only visited one company, and then were given the rest of the time free. Because of this, my biggest piece of practical advice is to maximize your free time! Although an occasional nap is essential, as each day is packed full of activities, try not to spend more than one hour during daylight hours in the dormitories. I was shocked by the vast array of activities (especially free ones, such as many museums and art galleries) offered in London. Additionally, try to be as inclusive as possible with the other students, as wonderful friend groups can be established that will last through the rest of your years at the University of Washington after you return from the program
Lastly, one of my favorite “secret” activities in London was climbing Primrose Hill. It offers, in my opinion, one of the best views of the city landscape, and the park is very reminiscent of Gas Works Park in Seattle. It is only a quick five to ten minute walk from Camden Town Market/Station, so I highly recommend making the stop, particularly during one of the last days of the program during sunset!
Cheers!
Chloe