Day 1
Our week began with a visit to Professional Services Firm, Grant Thornton, where Managing Partner, Richard Gillan, spoke about the company and its values. A trainee accountant from the firm outlined her path into accountancy and the various roles within the company. To finish, we embarked upon a personality test to see what kind of “workers” we are and how each personality trait can be utilised in accountancy.
We then went to Carson McDowell where we were briefly introduced to the firm and discussed the different aspects of commercial law. The remainder of our experience at Carson McDowell was spent on the art of negotiation: learning strategies and how important it is, especially in the world of law. We were split into two teams and enjoyed a mock negotiation which became very competitive! However, our negotiating skills proved equal to the task and we managed to reach a resolution.
Thank you to both firms who were very informative and engaging. We all enjoyed the opportunity to experience the aspects of each business.
Reuben Edmondson
The third place we visited on Wednesday was Danske Bank. We met past pupil Brian Shane who discussed the bank’s strategy for the future and how they will adjust to the changing banking landscape. Also extremely interesting was the Future Sustainability team’s presentation on the current challenges, jobs in the future and the bank’s environmental impact.
Next, we had a look behind the scenes at the bank: ATMs, the vault area and even at how fake notes are different to regular notes.
Our fourth and final visit of the day was to Osborne King. Another former pupil, Chris Sweeney, gave us an insight into his career and a description of the role of property consultants specialising in commercial property.
To help us become immersed in the business, he split us into teams and gave each team six brochures for commercial properties. The teams had to choose one or two of these and pitch them to an investor, a role played by Mr Colin Johnston, who had some tough choices to make!
This was a really challenging and enjoyable way to finish Day 1; thank you to Mr Johnston and everyone we met today for giving us such valuable experiences.
James Smith