Towards the end of last year, I travelled to London with 5 other students, from Belfast Royal Academy, St Malachy’s College and St Mary’s Grammar School Magherafelt, as part of Co-operation Ireland’s “Banking on the Future” programme. This programme allowed me to spend three days in the Canary Wharf offices of Morgan Stanley investment bank.

In total, 21 young people from Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England came together for the two day programme, including project management exercises, experiencing the trading floor and a private tour of the Houses of Parliament from the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Vernon Coaker.

The trip was a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience and has made it clear in my eyes that I would like to work in the finance industry. Hearing from senior staff from the trading and investment department and other departments gave me an insight into the industry, whilst gaining vital skills during the workshops and presentations.

I would like to thank Co-operation Ireland and Morgan Stanley’s Net Eire group for this fantastic opportunity.

Blaine