My Durham Story - By Mayanka Shah

By: Mayanka Shah Class of: 2004 College: Stephenson College Subject: Finance Location: Mumbai

Job title: General Manager Organisation name: Savills Property Services

Why did you choose to study at Durham?:

It is the leading university in the world and BA Finance was a great program

What was it like to be a student at Durham? Tell us about college life, the city, your course and any sports or societies you were involved in.:

I studied at the Queen’s Campus Stockton, which was relatively small compared to the main Durham city campus. That actually worked in our favour, as it created a close-knit community where everyone knew each other, making it much easier to socialise and form friendships. Academically, I found my course to be very well-structured and engaging. The teaching was strong, and it gave me a solid foundation in my subject. Outside of academics, I was involved in the International Society, which was a great way to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds. It added a fun and diverse social element to university life. Overall, it was a well-rounded experience with a good balance of academics and social life.

What are your fondest memories of your time here?:

Making friends from across the world, incl UK, Sri Lanka, Middle east

What have you been up to since you left Durham?:

Working in Real Estate

What would be your top piece of advice for anyone considering studying at Durham?:

Take ownership of your work and have a balance work- social life

Why is staying connected to your alumni community important to you? Tell us about anything you have gained from your alumni engagement with Durham.:

Nostalgia, networking