As a third-year Economics student, Loreal Hassett thrives in academics, leadership, and networking – serving as Social Media Manager for the Kent Economics Society. From securing placements to reviving a society, her journey is all about seizing opportunities and making the most of every experience.
Tell me a bit about yourself!
As a third-year Economics student, my university experience has been a mix of academics, extracurricular involvement, and personal growth. I’m the Social Media Manager for the Kent Economics Society, a Student Representative, and an active member of the 93% Club, Kent Invest, and Kent 2 Corporate Society. These roles have given me the chance to connect with like-minded students, build my professional network, and gain insights into the finance and corporate world.
One thing I’ve learned along the way? Start early. I wanted to do a placement between my second and third year but didn’t secure one, which reinforced the importance of refining your CV, gaining external experience, networking, and making the most of the workshops and activities the university offers—right from the start.
My day is a balance of self-improvement and productivity. I kick off with the gym, then dive into studying, work commitments, and socialising with friends. In between, I make time for reading and constantly finding new ways to grow, whether that’s learning a new skill, staying updated on industry trends, or pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
Tell me a bit about the Economics Society!
The Kent Economics Society is a dynamic and inclusive student-led society that goes beyond just economics—it’s a space for anyone interested in finance, policy, and the vast opportunities within the field. After being revived this year, our goal has been to build a strong foundation that will allow society to thrive for years to come.
As Social Media Manager, I play a key role in engaging our members, promoting events, and making sure our initiatives reach as many students as possible. We host bi-weekly topic discussions, giving students a chance to debate and explore pressing economic issues. Alongside this, we organise social events, creating a network of like-minded individuals, and panel talks featuring alumni and professionals from the finance industry, offering real insights and career guidance.
Whether you’re studying economics or just curious about the subject, the Kent Economics Society is here to connect you with new opportunities, industry experts, and a growing community.
When you first started your Bachelor’s degree here, how were you feeling?
When I first started my Bachelor’s degree at Kent, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, I was excited—moving away from home, gaining independence, and stepping into a new chapter of my life. It felt like an opportunity to grow, learn more about myself, and embrace new experiences. But at the same time, there were nerves—adjusting to change, uncertainty about the future, and wondering if I’d make friends.
These feelings are completely normal! University is a big transition; you go from being a kid your whole life to suddenly navigating adulthood. But once you start, you quickly realize that everyone is in the same boat. The key is to put yourself out there, meet new people, and make the most of every opportunity.
My journey to Kent wasn’t exactly straightforward—I found out I was going through clearing in mid-August after not achieving the grades I expected. That alone was a rollercoaster, but one thing that really helped was joining group chats. There’s also an app called Unifi, which connects students from the same university, accommodations, and courses, making it easier to meet people before you even arrive. Looking back, these early connections made the transition so much smoother.
Why did you join the Economics Society?
I joined the Kent Economics Society because I saw the potential for something great that wasn’t fully being realized. In my first and second year, there wasn’t much of an active society—mainly just student representatives. While the society did exist, events and engagement were minimal, and when leadership transitioned, it didn’t really maintain momentum.
That’s when Talib, our president, decided it was time to rebuild and create the space we never had. Applications were sent out in the group chat, and with my experience as an Influencer and Social Media Marketing Manager, I knew I could add value as the Social Media Manager. Being part of reviving the society and setting a foundation for future students has been incredibly rewarding.
Economics as a course can feel quite segmented, and many students struggle to make connections. The society now provides a welcoming and engaging environment where students—regardless of their degree—can network, learn, and socialise. Seeing it grow and knowing we’re creating something meaningful for future cohorts makes the effort more than worth it.
What are your hopes and dreams for your future/career?
I’d say I’m very much an ‘it is what it is’ kind of person. I set goals and aspirations to work towards, but I also understand that life doesn’t always go as planned. If something isn’t working out for me, I believe in picking myself up, adapting, and pushing forward—or reevaluating and changing direction if needed. That’s why I think setting goals is important, but I try not to get too fixated on a perfect blueprint for the future. Instead, I take things day by day and focus on continuous growth.
Right now, my main goal is to graduate from the University of Kent with a First, secure a graduate job, and continue working on my side hustles. That being said, I also think it’s completely normal to not know the exact route you want to take. The job market is constantly evolving, and some roles that exist today might not even be around in five years. What’s important is to set goals, stay ambitious, and be hardworking. As long as you’re developing your skills and pushing yourself forward, opportunities will come, and you’ll find the right path in time.