09 Keele Management School News l Summer2014
Keele Economics and Finance Society ( KEFS )
Run by Students , for Students
KEFS was voted the Most Improved Society Award presented to an established society that has demonstrated growth and improvement since the previous academic year .
Membership of KEFS is open to any student studying Economics and Finance modules or those with an interest in Economics and Finance . They organise study sessions including ‘ Investment ’ and ‘ Research ’ sessions , social activities and events in collaboration with other societies such as ‘ Global Affairs ’ for which KEFS provided a 15-minute presentation entitled ‘ An Economic Analysis of a Country ’.
“ Our members are encouraged to get involved in the participation and organisation of these study groups as they are student-led by fellow students of each year . As we work hard , we also play hard and enjoy meeting for socials and other activities on a regular basis !”
As well as an active involvement in this year ’ s Society Sign Ups , the Economics and Finance Society have kept a high level of awareness and tried proactively to recruit new members at other events such as the ‘ Welcome Festival ’. They have also participated in the ‘ Give it a Go ’ programme , adding their own independent events to the programme resulting in a more diverse footfall and a greater focus on non-traditionally engaging students , opening up the society to as many people as possible and highlighting the diverse nature of their membership .
Keele Management Society
Keele Management Society is still pretty new to Keele ; it was started by a group of KMS students to help each other get the most out of their time at Keele and to help students mix in the departments of the Management School . Keele Management Society is both fun and academic ; the Society holds a mixture of weekly socials as well as talks , trips and much bigger events like a Christmas and End of Year Ball . So there ’ s plenty to do and always something for everyone . This year the Society is also very excited to announce the start of their overseas trips !
On the academic side of things , they ’ ve arranged plenty of talks this year . In past years they ’ ve arranged for representatives from Nissan , Barclays Bank and InternChina . They also hold regular revision sessions around exam time , and have great ties with Careers and Employability . What more could you want from a society ?
Come and find them at Freshers Fair , say hello and grab some freebies !
Meet our staff
Dr Steve French
Lecturer in Human Resource Management
Tell us about your role with KMS ?
I have worked at Keele for 14 years and undertaken a wide range of roles within the School and University . I am currently the subject lead for the HRM and Industrial Relations teaching group and teach on full-time undergraduate and postgraduate HRM courses , as well as the part-time distance learning courses in Industrial Relations where Keele has a strong reputation for providing lifelong learning opportunities .
If you weren ’ t an academic what would you be ?
I was formerly a computer programmer and a trade union representative and I expect I would have tried to become a full-time trade union official if I had not taken an academic career path .
What would you say to a prospective student thinking of joining us in Keele Management School ?
Although students are clearly interested in studying management subjects with an eye to their future careers , university should be seen as more than a mechanism to enhance employability and rather a wonderful opportunity to critically engage with ideas that have interpreted and shaped the world in which we live .
What is the most important message you would give to a new undergraduate KMS student ?
The first year of an undergraduate course is a really important year of study . The more energetically students engage with their classes , develop their academic reading and writing skills and approach their assessments , the greater chances they have of achieving a really good degree .
While it is important that students have a wide-ranging experience at university , it is also easy to mis-manage time and not to devote sufficient effort to your degree . This is a false economy !
Any advice for a postgraduate or executive training student with KMS ?
Postgraduate and professional development courses can be really challenging in terms of the level of commitment required . Staff at Keele provide excellent support to students on these courses , but never underestimate the time it takes to undertake your studies , especially on distance learning when you are balancing work , family and studies .
If you could visit any country in the world , which would it be and why ?
Wales – wonderful countryside , fantastic rugby and home for tea-time !