Life in Finance Testimonials

Lucas Wild, Victoria College:

“Throughout my two-week placement at Hawksford, I split my time between the Corporate services and Private Client teams. In addition to being involved in both team and client meetings, I would carry out day-to-day duties such as filing documents and post, and working through key data on Excel.

I would say my favourite thing about my placement has been learning the individual processes of each role, which was made easy because of how well it was explained to me by the Hawksford staff.”

Hawksford:

“Hawksford is delighted to support the Life in Finance scheme, which gives students valuable insight into financial services, including the career opportunities available and the skills needed to succeed in the industry. It also gives our teams the opportunity to support and inspire the next generation of talent. Lucas brought enthusiasm, fresh perspectives and new ideas to the business. It was a pleasure having him with us during his placement.”

Sebastian Armata, Hautlieu:

“My time with BDO Jersey’s Audit team helped me understand what accountancy is really like beyond the classroom. I was given the opportunity to work on real tasks, learn from experienced professionals and see how audits help businesses operate with confidence. The experience has given me a clearer view of future career possibilities.”

Amelie Siouville, Beaulieu:

“I really enjoyed my placement with BDO Jersey’s Audit team. It was interesting to see how auditors work with different businesses and how much teamwork is involved. Everyone was supportive and encouraged me to ask questions, helping me build my confidence and gain experience in a professional environment.”

BDO:

“Helping people and businesses thrive is at the heart of what we do at BDO Jersey, which is why we’re proud to support Life in Finance. Sebastian and Amelie embraced every opportunity during their placement, demonstrating enthusiasm, professionalism and a genuine interest in learning about careers in finance and business”.

Emily Freitas, Hautlieu:

“I’m excited to gain an insight into the finance industry and to experience what it’s like to work in a professional environment. I’m looking forward to learning skills and gaining valuable experience for my future. I’m hoping to learn about the career opportunities available within the finance industry.”

LGT:

“LGT Wealth Management is pleased to support Jersey Finance’s student work experience scheme, connecting students with opportunities to gain insight into financial services. The initiative enables students to explore career pathways, develop practical and interpersonal skills, build confidence and gives firms an opportunity to inspire and support future local talent.”

Isabella Henriques, Highlands College:

Fatima Pardey, Jersey College for Girls:

Xavier Mezals, Hautlieu:

Isabella, Xavier and Fatima found their week at RSM engaging, informative and rewarding. Isabella said, “I particularly enjoyed the practical Excel tasks and was surprised by the amount of communication involved in audit work”, while Fatima added “I enjoyed learning how to carry out an audit and gaining insight into the work that happens behind the scenes in finance.” All students said the experience challenged their expectations of the industry, provided valuable insight into potential career paths, and highlighted the welcoming and supportive culture at RSM.

RSM:

“We thoroughly enjoyed having Isabella, Xavier and Fatima with us during Work Experience Week. They showed a genuine interest in learning about audit and professional services, asked thoughtful questions and embraced new challenges throughout the placement. It was rewarding to see their confidence and understanding grow during the week, and we look forward to following their future successes.”

Mia Jude, Jersey College for Girls:

“My placement at Crestbridge Fiduciary was an insightful and enjoyable experience. I developed my understanding of the finance industry by learning about the different teams across the firm and assisting with a variety of tasks. Everyone on the team was welcoming, supportive, and always happy to answer my questions. I am very grateful for the valuable opportunity and experience I gained.”

Crestbridge:

“We are proud to support the ‘Life in Finance’ scheme each year. Through the scheme and other local initiatives, we are committed to giving young people the confidence, experience and insight they need to begin their careers.

We were delighted to welcome Mia for her placement. She gained experience across our business and demonstrated enthusiasm, professionalism and a willingness to learn. We wish her every success in her final year of A levels and look forward to following her progress.”

Luke Oxenden-Wray, Highlands College:

“My placement at Alex Forbes has been a valuable and rewarding experience. I’ve gained a greater understanding of the finance industry while developing my professional and communication skills. The opportunity to work alongside experienced colleagues has allowed me to learn from real-world situations, build my confidence and gain valuable insight into potential career opportunities in finance.”

Alexforbes:

“Having Luke join us has shown the positive impact student placements can have. His work in IT and business development brought fresh thinking and energy, and his progression to a paid summer role reflects his success. Supporting students in this way helps develop local talent and invest in the future of our island.”

Pola Wrobel, Highlands College:

“Before my placement, I didn’t fully understand what Baker & Partners did, however after my placement, I’ve learnt a lot about different types of law, case types and that so much goes on in a business behind the scenes and the importance of communication and teamwork between departments. I really enjoyed my time at Baker & Partners and the team helped me learn so much about their roles, what they do and why it’s important to the business.”

Bakers & Partners:

“It was great having Pola with us for the week, she expressed a keen interest in Marketing & Business Development so we were able to show her both life inside a law firm from a legal perspective and a marketing perspective. From learning how to craft a press release to researching event venues in London for an upcoming event, Pola was a great asset to the team. We wish her all the best in her future studies and career.”

Jamie White, Hautlieu:

“My two-week work placement at Affinity Private Wealth was a really valuable experience. It gave me a better understanding of the finance industry, including the different types of roles within it, and what working in a professional environment is like. The experience helped me build confidence and gave me a clearer idea of what I may want to do after my A levels.”

Affinity:

“Jamie was a welcome addition to our team during his two-week placement. Keen to learn, he attended a range of sessions designed to give him an understanding of both the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ behind day-to-day life in an independent, owner-managed trust company.

Jamie also had the opportunity to get stuck into some practical work, assisting our investment monitoring, bookkeeping and marketing teams, while also shadowing operational and client-facing activities across the business.

We believe initiatives like this are valuable for everyone involved, giving students a genuine insight into our industry and the variety of career opportunities it offers, while giving us the chance to get to know talented young people considering their next steps.”