Goldman Sachs: February 2010

We had the chance to experience working at a global investment bank and securities firm, Goldman Sachs. Spending the day here enabled us to obtain a useful insight into the world of banking and apply our knowledge learnt from our economics A-level studies to the real world.

It was exciting to learn the structure of the organisation, which includes advising, financing, investing, securities and research. We were able to get a taste of the trading sector as we participated in an interactive trading game. This involved quick decision-making and arithmetic skills to enable us to make a profit for our hypothetical firm, rather than a loss. It was very challenging keeping up with the speed of the game, however, simultaneously taught us the importance of risk-taking for large firms.

Deloitte: June 2009

We also spent a day at Deloitte, another global firm, which offers clients audit, consulting, corporate finance and tax services.

The day included analysing a case study on a made up music company, New Star Records Ltd, for which we were part of the research team.  We prepared a set of questions for the Finance Director regarding the review of accounts and the future vision of his company. We discussed how they planned to counter the growing issue of piracy and questioned how he aimed to tackle the impact of the recession.

We learnt the importance of professionalism and the way accountants endeavour to offer the best possible services to clients. It was a real flavour into the world of finance and, having enjoyed the Deloitte experience, it confirmed our academic curiosity in the subject.

Minal  and Cassandra