At graduation we caught up with Sehr Shahid who leaves Royal Holloway with a First Class Honours BSc Economics to ask about her about her experience.
Can you sum up what the best thing about studying here was?
The best thing about studying at Royal Holloway was the incredible people and opportunities I encountered, from my teachers to my peers and those on completely different academic paths but with similar interests. I learnt so much from all the different people and opportunities presented to me, from leading a volunteering abroad project to rural Chiang Mai, Thailand, to delivering a speech to the Invesment and Finance Society members, climbing Mount Snowdon twice for charitable causes through ISOC and ending up with a 1st Class Honours. All of these different accomplishments couldn't have happened without the amazing people that I crossed paths with at Royal Holloway.
What stands out for you now that you can reflect on your time here?
Reflecting on my time here, what stands out the most to me was the strong sense of community feeling at Royal Holloway, no matter how each person evolved and grew, there was a place for us all.
How did you find the staff and their teaching?
From the amazing PhD student seminar leads, to the lecturers each year of my degree, so many were incredible humans with such interesting backgrounds and experiences. They were all so willing to give a helping hand and genuinely cared about our wider experience and careers as well as the particular module they were involved in teaching us.
How would you describe your experience of being part of the department community?
My experience being a part of the department community has been lovely, I feel it really flourished and came to life once things were fully in-person once again (roughly halfway through my degree).
What was the most interesting thing you studied in your time here?
Each academic year has so many interesting elements. However, as I got to pick every module I studied in 3rd year, I have to say 3rd year was a huge highlight for me, and in particular my favourite module was Family Economics. I found it the most stimulating and exciting, from the course delivery, the lecturer and seminar lead's teaching styles, to the assessment structure carefully allowing us to creatively convey our learning, it was such a fascinating module!
How has your degree prepared you for your future career path?
Studying BSc Economics has prepared me for my future career path in many ways, from enhancing my team-working skills, leadership abilities, to developing critical analysis and advancing in technical skills, the past 3 years have helped me grow in many ways and develop perspective and learn more about myself to a deeper level.
What would you say to future applicants keen to study?
To future applicants, I would say to treat your time at university as your 'academic' career, be proactive and network, create opportunities for yourself as well as seizing those presented to you (there are so many incredible opportunities). Confidently try new things and get out of your comfort zone, express your ideas and really develop your interpersonal skills as well as technical ones.
How do you feel now you've graduated?
After graduating, I feel very grateful and happy that 3 years of hard work and dedication paid off, it is a huge milestone to achieve a First Class Honours. It is also a bittersweet feeling that my time at Royal Holloway has come to an end so quickly, those 3 years flew by, but I have made friends for life and had incredible experiences at university that I will always reminisce upon with joy.
