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Fernando, Year 12, spent February half term at financial consulting firm Accenture on a work experience week, learning first-hand what it’s like to work in the City.

“We were treated as if we were permanent workers of the company, being launched right into real client projects and given full responsibility over customer data,” said Fernando. “Being metres away from the Walkie Talkie, right in the heart of the financial sector of London, felt surreal.”

During the week, Fernando supported two teams of financial services consultants, which really helped him develop his business consulting skills and knowledge. Fernando, who is studying Economics, Geography and Physics, is pictured below (first right) with other course members at the end of the week.

“We conducted market research and analysed a major bank’s rationalisation strategy,” said Fernando. “The bank was targeting a 35,000 reduction in their labour force to achieve a £3.2 billion reduction in operating costs by 2022. We presented a case study of the bank’s rationalisation strategy to the team manager.”

Fernando also completed a Banking Fundamentals training course to gain knowledge and skills in retail banking processes, technology and systems used by Financial Services clients. “I also developed time-management and teamwork skills in a design-thinking activity, building a prototype iteratively to meet the specified requirements.”

The week allowed students to assess their key strengths and how to apply these to operate successfully in a team and individually.

“Accenture was a great experience. There is truly no way to put concisely into words the thrill and accomplishment I got from it. I had plenty of time to meet my co-workers and fortunately for us we all clicked within seconds. This opportunity has offered me long term friendships and connections and is an experience that will be the starting stone to my career.”