Elliot Mateus (Royal Bank of Scotland)

Name: Elliot Mateus

Subject: BA Geography

Year Graduated: 2014

College: County

Where are you now and what are you doing?

I am now based in Edinburgh, working as a Business Analyst at the Royal Bank of Scotland headquarters. It is an interesting role, which gives the opportunity to interact with all areas of the bank.

What would you like to do next?

I am keen to continue developing my skills as a business analyst. RBS gives graduates the opportunity to rotate around the business, where we can add value to innovative projects that directly benefit the customer. My particular interest for the future could be in the digital banking space, working with the latest technology and helping people to successfully manage their money.

Why did you choose to study at Lancaster?

I went to the Visit Day with an open mind, but I immediately knew Lancaster was the university for me. The campus has a wonderful sense of community, LEC is on the cutting-edge, and the collegiate system was highly appealing. The growing reputation of the university as a leading global institution gave me the confidence that a degree from Lancaster is particularly valuable.

What was your favourite part of your degree and why?

I enjoyed the variety. The breadth and depth of modules available to undergraduates is excellent, and it is a great opportunity to learn things about the world that can often be taken for granted. There are also plenty of opportunities to get into the field and apply the academic techniques to real-life projects.

How do you think your time at Lancaster prepared you for what you’re currently doing?

I learned a wide array of skills through my time at Lancaster University. As part of my degree, I learned important analytical skills that can be directly transferred across many industries. I also developed strong communication skills and an ability to communicate with individuals from all backgrounds and cultures, an ability that is particularly important in a rapidly globalising world.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Lancaster? (Including extra-curricular activities and beyond?)

I made lifelong friendships while at university and will always remember the many experiences we had during those years. In my final year, I worked for Lancaster University Student Union as part of the International Cultural Exchange. In this role, I met individuals from all over the globe and I enjoyed learning about their cultures equally as they learned about life in the UK. It was a brilliant experience that made me realise I am now part of the global Lancaster network.