UWE FinTech MSc students working with FinTech West
From September 2022 until May 2023, the University of West England (UWE) and FinTech West collaborated to provide UWE MSc FinTech students the opportunity to work with FinTech West and the community to gain exposure and experience within the industry. The students have all made significant contributions to developing and creating reach for FinTech West in many ways, which in turn helps create a stronger cluster in the South West. During the past 8 months, the students have been involved in a range of activities based on their interests, skills, and experiences including digital marketing, research analysis, content writing, and so on.
Below is some of the feedback from the students on their experience with FinTech West:
Aaron Barker: “I worked on exciting blog articles for the FinTech West including financial inclusion and how FinTech can level the playing field and Web3 Technologies, these topics were able to showcase the fantastic sector that is FinTech and highlight some of the struggles that we encounter in today's society and what FinTech can do to solve them, as a blockchain specialist this is something that I am very passionate about.
These blogs were an opportunity to enable a wider reach on social media and help FinTech West’s exposure. Working with FinTech West has enabled me to spend time contributing by doing something I enjoy as a hobby, writing. I appreciate the chance to work with FinTech West as I met some interesting people from the industry and was able to learn a great deal from the events I attended and make great connections.”
Aaron is looking for work as a data scientist or software developer in the FinTech sector, particularly working with blockchain/cryptocurrencies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-barker-a3843a104/
Gerald Lee: “In the past 9 months of working at and alongside FinTech West, I was given many opportunities, whether it was to gain deeper insight into the FinTech landscape or the movers and shakers in the Southwest. Alongside my other student colleagues, I worked on the Southwest FinTech Ecosystem report where we assisted in the compilation of FinTech companies. Working with Stuart is always a delight as he encourages us to propose and pursue new and innovative ideas which is where we, alongside my university (UWE) and FinTech West, started and launched our first-ever FinTech podcast by students for students.
Aside from my contribution to FinTech West, I was given the rare opportunity to attend the Innovate Finance Global Summit in London where I listened in to many insightful sessions and panels that included FinTech pioneers such as Brian Armstrong, (CEO of Coinbase), Samantha Seaton (CEO of MoneyHub), Anne Boden (Founder and CEO of Starling Bank), and many such industry giants. On top of that, I was given the honour the attend the first FinTech Awards in the Southwest where I witnessed many enthusiastic and driven individuals and visionaries awarded for their sweat and blood in the past years. It was an eye-opening experience working with FinTech West and one I would recommend to many others alike.”
Gerald is looking to pivot into the cybersecurity section of the FinTech industry from my previous more financial conventional consulting roles.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerald-lee-649b08b1/
Abee So: “During my placement at FinTech West, I have had the opportunity to contribute significantly by creating and implementing comprehensive questionnaires to gather valuable insights from our target audiences. These questionnaires have played a crucial role in helping us understand the needs and preferences of our users, enabling us to improve our events and services. I am proud of the rigorous approach I took in preparing and interpreting these questionnaires, as it enabled us to make data-driven decisions that resulted in excellent outcomes for our organisation. Working in the FinTech industry has been a rewarding experience since it has allowed me to see firsthand the quick improvements and new ideas that are transforming the financial landscape. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this energetic industry and offer my abilities to its growth.”
Abee So: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abee-so-95958414b/
Oskar Tocik: “I suggested the idea for the FinTech West podcast which we were able to record and get great feedback from industry professionals giving FinTech West a fantastic way to directly tap into the amazing talent that the FinTech sector has to offer and share with the listeners.
Furthermore, I worked on collaborating with other FinTech clusters and facilitating resources and personnel for future events. This allows us at FinTech West to not only create strong bonds with other organisations but also maintain the ones that we have. The chance of working with FinTech West has given me a fantastic opportunity to meet some fantastic people that make up the industry.”
Oskar Tocik: Open to any role in the FinTech sector particularly in sports betting or Blockchain/Cryptocurrencies.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oskar-tocik-44683a254/
Akorede Timson:” I’ve contributed to the FinTech West directories. Specifically, I worked on populating the directory with FinTech firms in Exeter, Gloucester, Plymouth, and Swindon. It was a small task, but I wanted to do my part to support the project.
On another note, I've also been trying to learn the Adobe Audition for video editing. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to complete the course yet, but I'm determined to keep pushing forward and improve my skills in this area.
I wanted to be honest. Being an international student in the United Kingdom has presented its own set of challenges, and there are many things I've had to juggle and work through. However, I'm optimistic that with time, I'll be able to settle in and dedicate more of my energy to expanding my volunteering experience with FinTech West. I'm really looking forward to more amazing experiences and opportunities to contribute. Thank you for your understanding, and I appreciate all the support you've provided so far.”
Akorede Timson: Open to roles as a Business analyst and Operations officer including internships.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akorede-timson-508791173/
Kunanont Chin: “I worked on researching FinTech companies in the south-west and made sure they were getting the exposure they needed, I think it’s important that smaller companies can get the support and exposure they need to grow, and I feel very thankful to be able to contribute and provide that ability.
Furthermore, I co-hosted the FinTech West podcast which was something new for me as someone who is usually quite introverted it gave me the experience to step out of my comfort zone and try something new and it was a fantastic experience where I got to talk with and learn some valuable information from industry professionals. Working with FinTech West has provided a wonderful opportunity for me to grow personally and professionally.”
Kunanont Chin: Open to any role in the FinTech sector particularly in finance or cybersecurity.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunanont-chin-5403b8142/
Duc Dang: "I worked on conducting data analysis for FinTech companies in the southwest, using basic statistical methods to understand their market position and potential. My efforts were aimed at ensuring these smaller companies received the exposure and support they needed to grow. I believe in the importance of leveraging data to assist emerging businesses, and I feel grateful to have been able to contribute to their success through my analytical skills."
Duc Dang: Open to Data Scientist or Data Analyst roles.