Exploring technology in the financial sector

“I am grateful for being given the chance to visit an investment bank in the heart of London as I don’t think I otherwise would have had the opportunity” – Pathways participant 

During February half-term UBS held an insight day for students on our Pathways to Banking & Finance and Pathways to STEM programmes, in what was the very first joint event for two Pathways streams. Thirty-five Year 12 students travelled from Nottingham, York, and London to gain an insight into the financial sector and the role of technology in the workplace. 

A variety of sessions allowed students to explore the use of coding within the sector and introduced them to the concept of using new currencies within banking. As one student commented, this gave “a lot of knowledge which will help me make useful decisions when deciding which pathway to take for my career in the future.”  

Through a networking lunch with UBS staff and a Q&A session with current graduates and apprentices, students heard about the experiences of employees who are at various stages in their careers – one employee shared a story of how they had come to work at UBS having grown up in a disadvantaged area in Birmingham. 

The friendliness of the staff, the relaxed atmosphere, and the willingness of the staff to answer students’ questions meant that the event successfully dispelled many myths associated with banking and finance. One student noted that “I had a lot of misconceptions about the finance industry and I was surprised to find that these were untrue – the experience opened my eyes”.  

As another student reflected afterwards, “it was an amazing experience… I learned exactly what the day-to-day life of different employees is like within UBS.”  

Overall, the day provided an invaluable insight into life at a large bank, and we would like to thank our university partners and UBS for their role in this successful event. 

The Sutton Trust Pathways programmes offer students from less advantaged backgrounds the opportunity to explore the UK’s leading professions, partnering with top universities and organisations across the country.