Providing Local Students an Opportunity to Gain Real-Life Work Experience

12 September 2025

At Jersey Finance, nurturing talent and supporting the next generation of professionals is a key priority. Our Life in Finance scheme, which has been running for over a decade, is designed to give sixth form and college students first-hand experience of what it means to work in Jersey’s financial and professional services sectors. By taking part, students are able to gain valuable insights into the wide variety of roles on offer, from client-facing positions to support functions such as marketing and human resources.

This year, we visited all local sixth-form schools and colleges to share information about the scheme and highlight the many pathways available within the industry. We were delighted to see so many successful placements take place over the summer, giving students a chance to build long-lasting connections and develop skills that will benefit them well beyond their studies.

For the firms involved, the scheme also provides real value. It allows them to meet enthusiastic young people, see first-hand the fresh perspectives they can bring, and learn from them in return. This growing engagement demonstrates both the appetite among students to explore a future in finance and the sector’s commitment to supporting local talent.

We hope that the experiences gained through Life in Finance continue to inspire students and help them shape meaningful and rewarding careers in Jersey’s world-class finance industry.

Explore testimonials from both students and firms who participated in this year’s scheme.

Alex Picot Trust

Nicole Gibaut, Jersey College for Girls:

“From spending time in accounts to participating in insightful sessions across the company, my placement gave me a deeper understanding of life in finance, which will help guide my next steps.

Everyone on the team was welcoming, supportive, and always had a smile on their faces! I’m truly grateful for my time at Alex Picot Trust, and the experience I’ve gained will remain invaluable.”

Alex Picot Trust:

“It was a pleasure to welcome Nicole to Alex Picot Trust! Nicole worked closely with our teams, gaining hands-on experience in trust, accounting, tax, and compliance within the private client industry. We are proud to support the ‘Life in Finance’ scheme, which helps the next generation gain insight into a career in finance.”

Alter Domus (Jersey) Limited

Stephanie De Sousa, Hautlieu School:

“Working at Alter Domus has been a great experience that helped me grow and figure out if a career in finance is right for me. I gained valuable hands-on experience and had the freedom to take initiative, with support available whenever I needed it. The staff at ADJ create a relaxed and positive work environment, making it enjoyable to work with them.”

Charlie Le Lay, De La Salle College:

“My time at Alter Domus has been an incredible experience! I’ve gained so much hands-on knowledge and had the freedom to explore different areas that interest me. The ADJ staff are really supportive and create a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great place to work. This internship has helped me build my confidence and develop skills I didn’t expect to learn. I’m really thankful for this opportunity.”

Alter Domus:

“We were thrilled to have Stephanie and Charlie join us for their placements. Stephanie brought enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about all aspects of her role in the Real Estate Funds team, gaining valuable insights into fund administration and potential career paths. Charlie integrated quickly into the team, contributing effectively and efficiently to his tasks. We hope both students gained practical experience and a deeper understanding of the finance sector, and we wish them every success in their future studies and career paths.”

Barclays

Amber Jenkins, Jersey College for Girls:

“Undertaking my work experience at Barclays gave me valuable insight into the finance industry. I learned a great deal about how the sector operates in practice and had the chance to connect with and learn from some truly inspiring professionals.”

Barclays:

“Amber’s placement has demonstrated the many benefits of having students work alongside us at Barclays. It brings fresh perspectives and energy, enhances team engagement through mentoring opportunities, and contributes positively to the community by supporting career development. We believe continuing to offer these placements is advantageous both for the wider industry and for our people.”

CSC

CSC:

“Life in Finance is a useful, hands-on, insightful, and genuinely engaging program that gives students a real taste of what it is like to work in the finance industry and opens doors for future opportunities. CSC was delighted to host two students for two weeks in July, providing them with a well-rounded experience within a large global corporate organisation. From day one, they were fully immersed in the professional world of finance.”

Equiom

Roxanne Kelly, Highlands College:

“During my placement at Equiom, I enjoyed exploring all the different departments, with my favorites being Corporate, EMAS, and Private Wealth. This experience has really helped me think about my future and given me a clearer idea of what I want to do after completing my business course at Highlands.”

Gen II

Jack Kemp, De La Salle College:

“My two-week placement at Gen II was a valuable and enjoyable experience. I worked closely with the Private Equity Funds and Client Compliance teams, gaining insight into fund administration and the important role compliance plays in protecting clients and the business. Both teams were welcoming and supportive, and I’m grateful for the knowledge and experience I gained.”

Renato Viera, Hautlieu School:

“Spending a week in the office gave me a real glimpse into the professional world. Working alongside professionals helped me understand workplace expectations, standards, and the variety of roles within the finance sector.”

Gen II:

“As part of the Life in Finance scheme, we were delighted to welcome two students to our teams. They quickly gained hands-on experience in areas such as client onboarding, fund administration, and compliance. Both showed great interest and engagement, and we’re proud to support initiatives that give young people a real insight into a career in finance. We wish them every success in their studies and future careers.”

HSBC Bank plc - Jersey Branch

Sarah Picton, Highlands College:

“I’ve enjoyed seeing what each department does and how they all link together in the customer journey. Observing customer interactions in branch, over the phone, and via Zoom in Expat has been invaluable. This placement has boosted my confidence about applying for a role in finance when I finish my education at Highlands next year.”

Simao Rodrigues, Highlands College:

“I’ve enjoyed exploring the different departments within the bank, both in branch and Expat. Mortgages has been of particular interest to me, and I’m keen to learn more about what the finance industry has to offer after finishing at Highlands next year.”

HSBC Bank plc – Jersey Branch:

“HSBC is always keen to support local talent and provide students with career progression opportunities locally and internationally. The Jersey Finance work placements are a fantastic way to engage future employees and give them a taste of the opportunities that await when they finish their education. Some students may even secure employment before receiving their results—a credit to their ambition. Well done to Sarah and Simao for their enthusiasm and commitment; the finance industry is an exciting place to be.”

Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited

Ruby Butler, Jersey College for Girls:

“My time at Langham Hall through the Life in Finance scheme has been engaging, insightful, and eye-opening. During my placement with the funds team, I gained hands-on experience—creating ratification schedules, preparing backup folders for counterparties, and participating in team meetings. This opportunity has given me invaluable exposure to the finance industry, and I would highly recommend the Life in Finance scheme as a fantastic way to build confidence and network with different companies.”

Langham Hall Fund Management (Jersey) Limited:

“The Life in Finance scheme is a brilliant way to give local students real insight into the finance world at a pivotal stage in their lives. It’s been especially rewarding to see Ruby fit in with our team and culture—how we collaborate, support one another, and stay driven. The scheme isn’t just about showing students what we do; it’s about helping them imagine where a career with us could take them and supporting them every step of the way.”

Maples Group

Oliver Venticinque, De La Salle College:

“The Life in Finance event was really interesting and gave me a broader view of the Jersey finance industry. I found out about my placement just two weeks after the event, and it’s been a well-organised, enjoyable, and insightful experience.”

Maples Group:

“The Life in Finance scheme is a mutually beneficial initiative for both students and financial institutions. It’s a great way to meet potential future leaders of the finance world. Students never fail to impress with their focus and enthusiasm. This is the second year Maples has welcomed an intern from the scheme, and we’ve been delighted with Oliver’s work ethic and eagerness to learn across several teams. We appreciate Jersey Finance for facilitating the scheme and supporting young talent in taking their first steps in the industry.”

Ocorian

Ocorian:

“It has been a pleasure to welcome such enthusiastic individuals to Ocorian. Jess really made the most of her week with us in the Fund Administration team, showing eagerness to learn and actively engaging in discussions. Sophia impressed us with her keen attention to detail and her ability to quickly grasp the complexities of the Private Client world, while Abby demonstrated great diligence and dedication in completing her training. Each of them showed genuine enthusiasm and a strong willingness to learn, which made their time with us remarkable.”

Oakglen Wealth

Amy Freeman, Hautlieu School:

“This opportunity at Oakglen Wealth has given me invaluable insight into the world of finance and a professional working environment. I’ve gained experience in wealth management and developed transferable skills that will help me in the future. The Oakglen team has been welcoming and supportive, and I’ve loved working alongside them over the past two weeks.”

Oakglen Wealth:

“Oakglen Wealth is delighted to support Life in Finance. The summer intern scheme is a great way to introduce students to potential careers in financial services. We’ve been impressed by Amy’s enthusiasm and ability to take in new information. We wish her every success in her studies and future career.”

PwC Channel Islands

Jayden Slott, De La Salle:

“My week-long internship at PwC gave me a real insight into audit and what life in finance is like. I worked on client data, investment summaries, and compliance tasks such as AML, which showed me the importance of detail and responsibility in this industry. The team was very supportive, and the placement has boosted my confidence and skills for a future career in finance.”

PwC Channel Islands:

“Here at PwC, participating in the ‘Life in Finance’ programme is the perfect time for us to highlight to students that there are many fantastic opportunities for them to embark and build on world-class careers in their home environment. At PwC, students will experience working in a place where they’ll learn from the best as they grow, innovate and make a meaningful impact with a team that shares their passion. PwC will open doors, so they can explore the possibilities ahead.”

Rossborough

Kalam Gavey, Highlands College:

“Before my placement, I didn’t fully understand the role of insurance brokers. In just two weeks, I’ve gained a real appreciation of their importance and the value they add. I’ve seen how essential effective communication is between clients and insurers in maintaining strong relationships and securing solutions.”

Rossborough:

“We thoroughly enjoyed supporting the Life in Finance placement with Kalam, providing students the chance to experience the dynamic world of finance and insurance. It’s been rewarding to see their growth, curiosity, and enthusiasm, and we are proud to invest in the next generation of talent.”

RSM Channel Islands

Jason Diogo, Highlands College:

“Meeting the team at the Life in Finance meet and greet session really sparked my interest in RSM. The placement confirmed my interest in accounting, and I was surprised by how much variety there is in the work and how much happens in an accounting firm. Auditing was new to me, and I found it both interesting and a great way to apply my existing knowledge in new ways.”

RSM Channel Islands:

“Jason approached his placement with enthusiasm, spending time with partners, managers, and recent trainees to gain a broad perspective on our audit, accounting, and taxation services, as well as compliance, cybersecurity, data protection, and ethics. We were impressed by his curiosity and maturity and are delighted he enjoyed the experience. We wish him every success in his remaining time at college and in his future career.”