Naveena Nathene James

1st year

What appealed to you most about Heriot-Watt University?

The fact that Heriot-Watt is the only university in Malaysia which offers students with an opportunity to get 8 papers exempted from the IFoA ( professional papers).

What tips would you give to a student thinking of studying at Heriot-Watt?

Be prepared to step into an independent learning atmosphere and don't give up when things get hard.

What did you enjoy the most about studying your degree?

The challenge.

Do you feel your degree has prepared you well for a career?

Well, technically in my first year I learnt a lot more theory, so at the moment, no but I know that year 2 and year 3 I will cover applications which I think would prepare one well enough to face the working world.

Has your degree programme helped you develop links with industry?

The university has been actively arranging programmes for our students with companies related to the actuarial industry for us to get a chance to hear out from experts and the experienced- so yes.

How do you think your degree will impact on your career prospects?

If I do well enough, I will get the chance to get a maximum of 8 papers exempted which will help me propel in getting other papers done (hopefully) and that will put me in a better position of progressing in my career. So, yes I believe my degree would be very helpful, but it also comes down to how well I excel in it.