Matthew Fish

My time at University has transformed me into a more motivated and determined individual, as evidenced in my degree result. I am enthusiastic and possess strong interpersonal skills developed through various work experiences, allowing me to build relationships and communicate effectively within team settings. However, I also have the confidence and capability to take ownership and work independently. Unafraid of new challenges, I like to be pushed out of my comfort zone and thrive from the opportunity to learn new skills. My dedication to hard work and success is reflected in my work experience. I have particularly enjoyed the finance and economics components of both my Business A-level and degree. This, combined with an interest in the stock market, drives me to pursue a career in the Financial Services industry.

Work experience 

Marks & Spencer, Sheffield (November 2022 - January 2024)

Customer Assistant

• I developed strong time management skills by balancing my job and studying for my degree. Despite busy periods coinciding with assessment deadlines, I actively took on overtime hours to support the store. 
• I transitioned from the shop floor to an Operations role, gaining increased responsibility, including managing store keys and handling opening and closing duties. 
• Starting on a temporary contract, I was one of the few employees offered a permanent position due to my performance. 

Customer Assistant 

• I was initially recruited for a temporary part-time role during my gap year but was soon promoted to a full-time permanent position, working over 50 hour weeks during the pandemic. 
• I developed excellent communication skills by handing difficult, and sometimes abusive and distressed, customers amidst unprecedented supply chain issues and lockdown restrictions. 
• Working in a small, understaffed store during this period enhanced my people skills, as teamwork become essential for maintaining operations. 

Sheffield Hallam University (2020 - 2024) 

BA (Hons) Business and Management – First Class Honours

• My modules included Finance, Marketing, HR, Business Strategy and Management, and Leadership and Ethics.

• Finance for Business Performance – this focused on the application of financial principles and techniques to evaluate and enhance the performance of businesses, covering topics like budgeting and financial analysis. 
• Data Analysis for Business Decisions – this covered the use of statistical and analytical methods to interpret data, enhancing my capability and competency in Excel. 

A Levels: Business Studies (C), Geography (D), Theatre Studies (E)

GCSEs: 8 grades B-C. Core Subjects: Maths (B), English language (4)

Extra-Curricular: Volunteering Africa 2019

• After completing my A-Levels, I participated in a three week group trip to Botswana where I learned about crucial conservation efforts to protect wildlife. I volunteered with Elephants Without Borders and at a local school. Additionally, I was involved in a community project, collaborating with local residents and a charitable foundation to enhance the lives of the community.