Year 12 insight day at Lumon

Twenty year 12 students recently had the exciting opportunity to attend a Finance Insight Day at Lumon's London offices, following a successful application process.

The event provided students with first-hand insight into a wide range of careers within the finance sector, while helping them develop practical employability skills and challenge common misconceptions about the industry. Throughout the day, students heard from professionals across a variety of departments, gaining a greater understanding of the many career pathways available within a global foreign exchange company.

The day began with an introduction to Lumon and the foreign exchange (FX) industry, followed by a series of engaging talks from employees who shared their experiences, career journeys and insights into their roles. Students were surprised to discover the breadth of departments that exist within a finance organisation, from sales and trading to technology, operations, compliance, marketing, human resources and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance).

Students also took part in a range of interactive activities designed to develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills. One of the highlights of the day was the Marshmallow Tower Challenge, where students worked collaboratively in teams to build the tallest free-standing tower using limited materials. The challenge encouraged creativity, communication, resilience and strategic thinking, all skills highly valued by employers.

The day also included sessions on building a professional brand, creating effective CVs, interview techniques and standing out when applying for work experience and future employment opportunities. Students benefited from practical advice on how to present themselves professionally and make a positive impression on employers.

Following dedicated CV and interview masterclasses, all students had their CVs reviewed by Lumon employees and took part in a 1:1 mock interview. These personalised sessions gave students the opportunity to practise responding to interview questions, receive constructive feedback from industry professionals, and develop greater confidence in their employability skills.

The experience was both informative and inspiring, providing students with valuable insight into the world of finance and the skills required to succeed in today's competitive job market.

Students found the day particularly valuable and shared positive feedback about their experiences:

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Alex and the entire team at Lumon for their time, hospitality and engaging presentations throughout the day. We are also grateful to Future First for making this fantastic opportunity possible and for continuing to support our students in exploring and preparing for their future careers.