Spotlight on...Financial Services

Careers are in the spotlight for Key Stage 4 pupils at Cirencester Deer Park School. As part of its Information, Advice and Guidance programme the school has organised a series of workshops focusing on different careers areas. Pupils are able to sign up to as many as they wish so they find out what it takes to succeed in different sectors of industry.

The second instalment of our Spotlight programme focused on Financial Services. We were lucky enough to be visited in school by Stephen Wright from St James’ Place Wealth Management. Taking time out of his busy schedule, Stephen talked to pupils about careers within the Financial Services sector, giving them an insight into his career pathway as well as giving them a behind the scenes idea as what it takes to succeed in the industry.

Key points that Stephen highlighted included the need to be focused on what pupils wanted to achieve and work towards them. The lack of focus gives opportunity for distraction and as a result it will take you longer to achieve what you want to do. This message can be applied to all career areas. The group had an in-depth discussion around finance and how organisations such as SJP work and make their money and how this is passed onto their employees and ‘partners’.

Stephen ended by saying if he was 16 again he would aim to progress to university to study at a higher level. The ability to study and show what you have learnt is respected by potential employers.

This was a fantastic insight into the industry sector and certainly got pupils thinking about their futures and what they have to do be successful.

Above: Stephen Wright from St James’ Place Wealth Management with pupils from Key Stage 4 January 2010