Gerasim Hristov

Gerasim Hristov profile picture

Finance BSc Honours

Studying in London has been absolutely unrivalled. I have studied in Germany and in other European cities, but nothing matches the diverse and cultural city that London is.

Why did you choose the University of Westminster?

I chose to study at the University of Westminster because of the incredible alumni network that spans from Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan, all the way to elite boutiques like Evercore. 

As someone who has a keen interest in investment banking and is pursuing a career in the industry, I believe that Westminster provides motivated and driven students an opportunity to tap into a strong and resourceful alumni network that will aid them in their career paths. 

The amazing central location provides unmatched exposure to some of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan areas of London (Mayfair, Soho, and Marylebone). Last but not least, the strong teaching staff (professors, lecturers, tutors, etc.) have all given me the necessary foundation to be successful in my career.

How has your experience been studying in London?

Studying in London has been absolutely unrivalled. I have studied in Germany and in other European cities, but nothing matches the diverse and cultural city that London is. The exposure to so many different types of people coming from culturally rich countries and backgrounds has provided me with the ability to appreciate the value that comes with diversity and inclusion. 

I have been able to experience the bristling and lively Oxford Street and Baker Street, the entrepreneurial Berkley Square, and the cultural Soho and Westminster in a way that being a tourist couldn't. Studying in London gives you a new perspective and appreciation for history and progress.

What have you particularly enjoyed about your course?

The Finance BSc course has equipped me with the technical and commercial knowledge needed to succeed in a career in investment banking, with the help of incredible lecturers and tutors such as Dr. Handy Tan and Dr. Milica Matovic. I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to work alongside the faculty staff at our Westminster Finance Society, which has the mandate of providing strong guidance for students seeking to explore different career paths in high finance, from investment banking to private equity.

How have you found academic support as part of your studies?

I am pleased to say that I have found the much necessary support for my lecturers. A prime example would be Dr Handy Tan and Dr Milica Matovic.

Are there any stand-out facilities associated with your course?

There hasn't been anything more incredible than the Bloomberg-powered Financial Markets Suite on the ground floor of the Marylebone campus. This facility aids me in working on a type of software that will be used on a daily basis in my work in the future.

Tell us about your experience of using the University Careers and Employability Service 

During my time at Westminster, I've participated in the Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) programme. I was incredibly fortunate to be part of this experience, as it allowed me to meet Rehan Latif, a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley. If it wasn’t for WWC, I wouldn't have had such a fortunate networking opportunity.

Tell us about any activities that you have undertaken outside of your course 

I have co-founded the Westminster Finance Society alongside some of my coursemates, with the simple goal of aiding our peers in navigating down the path of high finance and demystifying this industry.

Westminster Finance Society aims to better prepare its members for a career in the financial services sector. With divisions specialising in various sectors covering Investment Banking, PE/VC, FinTech, Markets, & Asset Management. 

Inclusion is one of our top priorities at Westminster Finance Society. This is represented through our dedicated Women in Finance division and our Diversity division. We strive to provide all our members with an equal opportunity to realise their potential.  

We host a range of events including a speaker series with notable guest speakers as well as discussion panels where, together with the professors of The University of Westminster, we discuss the research conducted by our members covering current markets.

What would your advice be to someone considering studying at Westminster?

Be present. Engage with everyone as much as possible. Your network is your net worth.

What's the best aspect of being a University of Westminster student?

The fellow students. You will meet some of the most amazing and interesting people in your life and some of those relationships will stay with you for life.

What was the most surprising or unexpected aspect of your Westminster experience?

I would have to go with COVID-19 and my first year being online, but that was expected. Now that I am on campus, I would say that having a Costa inside the campus and getting a 25% discount is quite nice, especially during long study sessions in the library.