On Wednesday 24th January, 20 Economics students in Year 12 visited the BNP Paribas Bank located close to Marylebone station.

After being greeted, we were taken to conference room on the ground floor where we met representatives of the Disk department, the Trading Floor and that of Internships and Training. Each discussed their role within the bank and how they contributed to the success of the firm . This led to a greater understanding of what is understood by risk, the role of IT and data, how the bank profits from foreign exchange (FX) and some of the terminology of trading including words like Swaps, Spot Prices and Calls and Puts.

It was very interesting and insightful to learn about what investment banking consists of; most of us were unaware of the number of departments or the range of jobs that are available to people interested in careers in finance. We also had the opportunity to ask and answer questions in a work meeting environment which gave us a taste into the work life. It was interesting that, although many people who go into Investment Banking have quantitative degrees, the bank also seen benefits of other degres such as History, English and Psychology. The key thing they want was people who were willing to work hard, be proactive and know what a bank does.

Following this, we were given the rare opportunity to go on a tour of the bank where we passed by several of the bank’s departments and saw the bankers at work. The trip was extremely interesting; we have all gained a vast amount of knowledge about banking and are all very grateful to have had this opportunity.

Skye Kelly, LVI