First-class award adds up for accountancy student

10 September 2021

Chinese scholar lands sought-after role

An international graduate from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is counting his blessings having landed a sought-after graduate role with a major high street bank.

Hongming Jiang,23, from Zhejiang, China has just graduated with a first-class degree in accountancy and is now looking forward to the next stage of his career.

The international scholar arrived at UCLan four years ago after being attracted to the practical nature of the University’s accountancy programme.

“I didn’t want a course where I’d have to memorise long pages of laws and regulations or deal with complex mathematical questions,” explained Jiang. “A degree in accountancy was the ideal option because it’s very practical, logical and has enabled me to understand the business environment from so many perspectives. The UCLan programme also provided a year’s work placement as well as exemptions from many of the professional accounting exams so I really feel prepared to move on to the next stage of my career.”

"Choosing to study here in Lancashire has been one of the best decisions of my life"

New graduate Hongming Jiang

For Jaing, studying in England wasn’t just about gaining a recognised qualification as on a personal level he also believes he has come a long way.

“Choosing to study here in Lancashire has been one of the best decisions of my life,” said the determined graduate. “Not only have I been successful academically, I also feel the experience has helped me to grow as a person.

“I have met people at UCLan who I now regard as some of the most important in my whole life, helping to guide, inspire and motivate me. English is not my native language obviously, but from the very start my lecturers were so supportive, knowledgeable and patient. Even during the lockdown, when many of my friends returned to China, I had access to an academic mentor to support my mental wellbeing and help me through difficult times. I am so thankful to them all because they not only helped me achieve my career goals but so much more besides.

“Now I’ve graduated I feel excited and fully prepared to live an independent life and build new relationships. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”