Ready for Year 2?

Probably the most common thing I have heard during my first year is: “Year 2 is much harder!”Everyone also mentions that Year 1 does not count. Although this is true because your mark in the first year (at least for economics students and some other degrees) is not included in the mark of your degree; Year 1 is very important because the modules you take and the skills you gain are the basis for everything you will learn in the following years. For example, EC124 Statistics Techniques is well related to the second year module EC226 Econometrics.Moreover, in Year 2, you will take Macroeconomics 2 and Microeconomics 2. That is why it is relevant to have understood Microeconomics and Macroeconomics 1 during your first year.However, Year 2 is more complicated, not just because of the academics stuff; it is harder because you have to focus on summer internship applications, societies, managing your rental accommodation, part-time jobs (in some cases),… and more.

Summer internship applications are, for me, the most important and complicated part. The process is very competitive because you are competing with other intelligent and capable candidates from universities around the UK and all the world. I submitted my first application in July and the second one, a week later during early August. Most of the firms open applications at the end of August and early September so you will be applying to most of the firms before starting university. You should apply as soon as possible but of course, when you are ready. Do not rush!After submitting your applications, you will have to complete some online tests and job simulations. The following steps usually can be a video interview, phone interview, Assessment centres. It is a stressful process, but you should not get depressed! It is common to get rejected; however, rejections make us stronger.

Another important point is societies. One of the parts I most like of Warwick are its societies. We have hundreds of different societies and of every topic that you can imagine. During Year 1, you can be a fresher representative. This will increase your chances of getting an exec position for Year 2. Most of the exec positions are obtained through elections while others by an application and an interview usually. However, the difficult part is not the campaign. It is managing and completing all the work successfully.Personally speaking, I spent 5 hours daily for a week during the elections time of the Economics Society: I won so all the effort was rewarded!

One of the most exciting things of year 2 is moving from on-campus accommodation to off-campus. Warwick students usually live in Leamington, Coventry, Canley,… Living with friends sounds amazing but it involves a lot of commitment and responsibility!Some students also can have part-time jobs. I work at the university: speaking in some events, doing campus tours and writing! It is a great way to meet new people and give back to the university!Good luck with your Year 2I hope you had an amazing summer!