University of Northampton student scoops Santander Universities funding

Student Kainaat Zulfiqar, who is studying for a Master of Business Administration at the University of Northampton is one of just 30 people to be awarded funds from the Santander Universities Black Inclusion programme.

Kainaat took part in the programme, which provided students access to leading finance industry specialists to bolster their professional development through a series of online courses and quizzes, covering topical subjects including Green Finance and Banking Regulations, specifically designed to support students to widen their knowledge and gain employability skills which will help build their CVs.

In partnership with leading finance industry specialists, Finance Unlocked, Kainaat took part in a series of online programmes and quizzes to test her banking and financial knowledge, Kainaat scored in the top 30 of over 30,000 applicants and secured the £1,500 scholarship from Santander and access to Santander Emerging Talent opportunities within the Bank.

On being selected for the programme, Kainaat said: “The programme allowed me to expand and enhance my knowledge base in areas of Finance and banking, as well as invaluable learning experience that I’ll be able to apply to all aspects of studies, and life in general. It was very inspirational to hear from the speakers on the programme, who shared their knowledge about different finance topics in a very engaging way.”

“I feel very proud to be selected from thousands of applicants to receive this scholarship, it has already made a huge difference to me. It has boosted my confidence and now my mind is focused that a career in financial services is something I want to pursue.”

Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities, said: “Over the last decade Santander Universities has collaborated with its network of university partners to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are supported into university, work, and self-employment. The new programme aims to provide students and recent graduates from communities under-represented in the financial services sector with further professional development as they prepare for and embark on their future careers.”