Poppy Starling

Poppy Starling is studying a Financial Mathematics BSc degree and is currently in her final year after completing an industry placement at the Bank of England.

She decided to study at the University of Leeds because “it's one of the top and most employable universities in the UK, offering the most interesting and adaptable mathematics courses. I was also drawn to the city and student life here in Leeds, which has definitely lived up to its expectations.” 

Developing skills for a career in finance

Reflecting on her choice of degree, Poppy said: “I've always had a passion for maths, but I wanted to study a course that offered both the technical and applicable side of it. In particular I wanted to be able to use the theories I learn to build financial models and solve complex problems in real life situations, specifically in the financial industry and the economy.”

“Additionally, I've always aspired to have a career in finance, and I knew this course would aid me with all the necessary skills.”

I've always had a passion for maths, but I wanted to study a course that offered both the technical and applicable side of it.

Joining the cheerleading society

Poppy is a member of the cheerleading society and ski society. She said: “Throughout my time at university, I have been an active member of the cheerleading society, where I got the chance to be the treasurer on the committee in my third year. This allowed me to utilise my degree and make a positive impact to the society.” 

“I have absolutely loved cheerleading, where I have made the most amazing friends, and won lots of competitions. I have also been a member of the ski society, where I was fortunate enough to go on the university ski trip - a top quality experience!”

She added: “I would 100% recommend joining societies, as it allows you to make friends all with a similar passion, and also gives you a break from your studies. Not to mention the socials are always fun!” 

Throughout my time at university, I have been an active member of the cheerleading society, where I got the chance to be the treasurer on the committee in my third year.

Scholarships

Poppy achieved excellent results in her first year, and as a result she was awarded a scholarship. She said: “The University of Leeds gives you lots of opportunities to excel, and commends you for your hard work. In second year I received a scholarship for being among the top 10 highest achieving students in my first-year results.”

Bank of England placement scheme

Poppy completed a Year in Industry, which gave her professional experience of working in finance. She said: “I was fortunate enough to get a place on the Bank of England placement scheme, where I was placed in the Financial Risk Management division, within the Traded Markets team.” 

“During my time on the placement, I was also fortunate enough to additionally undertake two secondments to the Foreign Exchange Division, shadowing the Portfolio Managers, and to the Market Intelligence and Analysis Division where I contributed to some analysis presented to the MPC.” 

“The placement itself was an incredibly insightful experience, where I gained a wide range of knowledge and skills that have become invaluable to me. I have since been offered a graduate role, where I look forward to returning in September.” 

Poppy added: “Partaking in a placement is the perfect enhancement to your degree, and the employability team at Leeds give you all the support and tools you need, such as interview prep and CV/Cover letter reviews to help you get a top spot on a placement.” 

The placement itself was an incredibly insightful experience, where I gained a wide range of knowledge and skills that have become invaluable to me.

Student life

Poppy has enjoyed living in Leeds during her time at university, she said: “Leeds itself is a fantastic city, full of things to do, and the fact that the university of Leeds campus is plotted in the heart of it really excelled my time here. As a sociable person, I thoroughly enjoy going out, and the city; full of bars, activities and clubs, all in walkable distance, allowed me to build lots of friendships and make endless of memories.” 

“The campus itself, is full of everything you need as a student, with great facilities, a superb union, and lots of places to study. The student area in Hyde Park is definitely an experience, but one I'm certainly glad I got to live in.”

While studying, Poppy worked part-time as a lifeguard. She said: “The University also offers lots of jobs for students, where I was fortunate enough to be employed as a lifeguard at the university sports centre.”

As a sociable person, I thoroughly enjoy going out, and the city; full of bars, activities and clubs, all in walkable distance, allowed me to build lots of friendships and make endless of memories.

Final year project: Analysing methods to model house sale prices

Poppy is currently working on her final year project, which is the equivalent of a dissertation. She said: “I've thoroughly enjoyed my final year maths project as it has allowed me to perform some independent study on an area of maths of my own interest.” 

“For my project I analysed methods to model house sale prices through a variety of multivariate analysis, accompanied with the use of R studio coding software.” 

After graduating, Poppy plans to build her career in finance and return to the Bank of England.

Join us

Find out more about studying Financial Mathematics BSc at Leeds.