Aspiring professionals gain insight into the world of finance

Business learners from Coleg y Cymoedd were given the opportunity to gain insight into finance, security and investment on a unique visit to the chartered institute.

Five learners on BTEC Level 3 Business at the Nantgarw campus were invited to a Financial Services Insight Day at the head offices of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) in London.

The budding businesspeople have opted to study an additional ‘Introduction to Securities and Investments’ qualification alongside their full time studies.

The insight day included Speed Networking and a Networking Lunch with top level financial practitioners and a detailed tour of Winterflood Securities and CISI head offices.

Learners also observed a day in the life profile of the roles of top financial professionals for large corporate firms and specialised financial services companies. Some of the top roles demonstrated to the learners were Corporate Broker, Operational Risk & Control Manager, Client Director, Product Controller and Investment Manager.

Business tutor Kim Purnell said “It was an amazing opportunity for the students to meet practitioners in the financial sector and they visited the trading floor of one of the financial organisations.”

“The learners showed amazing commitment to the visit, even meeting at 5am on the first day of the Half term to travel to London for this activity.”

20 year old Nicola Rodgers from Pontypridd studies Level 3 Introduction to Securities and Investments alongside the Level 3 Business course. Reflecting on the visit she said: The CISI visit was a great opportunity to gain a better understanding of the different roles within the finance sector and meet people from through the country who were also studying the same qualifications.”

Sam Braithwaite, 18, from Caerphilly reflected on the benefits of the visit: “I found the day very interesting especially visiting the trading floor. The business people we met gave some valuable career advice. It was well worth the visit.”

18 year old Ellis Smith from Caerphilly who also studies Business and CISI modules at the college added: “It was a great insight into the financial world. I would recommend it to anyone.”

21 year old Stephen O’Shea from Maerdy highlighted specific elements of the visit he found beneficial: “It was good to have a chance to speak to real workers in the finance industry through the speed dating activity. My favourite part of the day was having the chance to visit the Winterflood Trading Floor though.”

“

Share!