How Reconnect is Expanding Access to Jersey’s Finance Industry

Can you tell us a bit about your journey, what you were doing before attending Reconnect, and what led you to pursue a career in finance?

I had recently moved to Jersey after graduating from Nottingham Trent University, where I studied Business Management and Marketing. During the later stages of my time at university, I became more certain that I wanted to pursue a career in accounting. I found myself particularly drawn to the financial and analytical side of business, and I knew this was an area I wanted to develop further.

Before attending Reconnect, I was firm in wanting to move into the accounting and finance industry, with future aspirations of becoming a chartered accountant. This was one of the main reasons I was interested in joining the finance industry, as I saw it as a sector that could offer strong long-term development, professional training, and a clear career path.

At the same time, I acknowledged that I did not come from a heavily accounting-focused background, so I was keen to understand what opportunities could be available for someone like me who was eager to learn, motivated to build experience, and serious about getting into the field.

How did you first hear about the Reconnect event, and what stood out to you most when you attended?

I first heard about the Reconnect event through a news article, and I immediately felt it was an opportunity I needed to take advantage of if I was serious about entering the finance sector.

What stood out to me most when I attended was hearing from the speakers and industry representatives who shared their different journeys into finance. There were individuals who had entered the industry with little or no previous finance experience, including someone from a care background who had moved into a trust administrator role. There were also people who had come straight from education, like myself, as well as others who were already in roles similar to the ones I was looking to apply for.

I also valued having the opportunity to speak to some of these individuals directly. Being able to ask questions and hear more about their experiences made the finance industry feel much more accessible. It showed me that there is no single route into the sector and that, with the right attitude and willingness to learn, it is possible to build a career in finance from different starting points. That gave me more confidence to pursue opportunities in the industry.

In what ways did attending Reconnect influence your next steps, and what would you say to someone who’s thinking about coming along but isn’t sure if it’s for them?

Attending Reconnect gave me more confidence in my decision to pursue a career in finance and further reinforced that I was making the right choice. Hearing the speakers’ advice and learning about their different journeys into the finance industry reassured me that I was taking the right career steps, especially as someone who did not come from a heavily finance-focused background, which had been a previous concern of mine.

The event also gave me a better understanding of what entering the finance industry could look like in practice. I learned more about how professional qualifications such as ACCA can support long-term career development and how I could prepare myself for that journey. Hearing the speakers’ advice and learning about their different journeys into the finance industry was reassuring and confirmed that I was taking the right career steps.

For anyone thinking about attending but unsure if it is for them, I would strongly recommend going. Reconnect helped give me the confidence, knowledge, and direction to pursue opportunities in finance, and I have since secured my current role as a Trainee Accountant at the Government of Jersey while studying towards the ACCA qualification. Even if you are not 100% certain about your exact path, the event can help give you a clearer idea of the opportunities available and reassure you that entering the finance industry is possible, even as a career changer or someone without a strong finance background.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone looking to start or restart a career in finance, what would it be?

Do it.

Pursuing a career in finance has been one of the best decisions I have made, and I would not look back.

I would also say not to let a lack of direct finance experience hold you back. If you are willing to learn, ask questions, and take the first step, you can build your confidence over time. For me, starting my journey in finance has given me a direction, purpose, and a career path I am genuinely excited about.