Guernsey College of Further Education students recently benefitted from an informative, finance based careers talk, delivered by Sovereign Group’s Managing Director, Stephen Hare.

Stephen was joined by SPF Private Clients Managing Director, Pierre Blampied as part of SPF’s ongoing initiative to reach out to local schools and colleges with the aim of helping the students with their future planning. “We have been working with the Guernsey College of Further Education for a number of years and have been extremely impressed by the standard of the students. We thought Stephen would be an ideal person to detail his career and also the different opportunities for students looking to enter the financial services sector.”

Sovereign Group opened its first office in Gibraltar in 1987 and has since grown into one of the largest independent corporate and trust service providers in the world. They currently manage over 20,000 clients that include companies, entrepreneurs, private investors or high net worth individuals and their families and now have offices in 23 locations, worldwide.

The group of fifteen, year two business studies students were given an insight into the company and were told what a typical day would entail. They were then presented with a thorough explanation of the key roles and sections within Sovereign together with the development opportunities available to students who wish to pursue a career in finance.

Personal attributes, CV presentation and career expectations were some key points that students were able to take away from the session, to help better equip them for forthcoming job interviews.

Stephen explains that by offering some ‘words of wisdom’ and thought provoking topics to the students, this will hopefully help them realise their potential within this industry; “Sovereign was delighted to be asked by SPF Private Clients to take part in their series of talks to local students, by giving an overview of working in the finance industry, particularly in the fiduciary sector. I think it is important to provide an insight to those making choices as to which career to follow.”

He goes on to say that local students may be at an advantage when it comes to achieving their aspirations to work in the industry, compared to UK residents, for example; “At the moment, students looking to enter the job market are in a very good position – employers in Guernsey are in need of bright candidates and the finance industry opens many doors. It was a privilege to be able to offer some words of wisdom as to what to expect as they transition from classroom to the workplace.”

The talk was concluded with the invitation of questions and with a seemingly keen interest from the students in discussing matters such as entry level career options, within Sovereign Group and qualification progression, it is clear to see that many young adults preparing for the working environment are eager to enter this industry and start their own journey of self development.

Pierre says that he feels this talk was very beneficial and is confident that the students have taken away a sense of direction and positivity; “It was pleasing to hear Stephen invite students to send him their CVs as he may well have employment opportunities available in due course.”