Debating and public speaking workshops, panel Q&As with industry professionals, academic taster lectures and more – the last two weeks have seen 300 students gain insight into the legal and banking & finance sectors at the annual Pathways conferences.

Students on our Pathways to Law and Pathways to Banking & Finance programmes travelled to the University of Warwick to attend one of two sector-specific residentials. These conferences aim to provide 16 to 18-year-olds with an insight into university life and their chosen profession.

In a virtual trading challenge, Banking & Finance students were able to sample life on a bank’s trading floor, while a university and careers fair at the Law conference allowed students to network with industry professionals and explore various career options.

“I loved talking to employers at the fair; it gave me an insight into life as a trainee and what I need to do to stand out to future employers.” – Pathways to Law student

These conferences mark the halfway point of the Pathways programmes, which work with high-achieving students who do not have the support they need to go into leading professions. Supporting students throughout their final two years of school, the programmes also provide mentoring, work experience placements, and skills sessions delivered at partner universities across the country.

Since Pathways was launched in 2006, this suite of programmes have supported over 5000 young people to make a more informed choice about their future. We are extremely grateful for the support of all our partners who make these conferences, and the Pathways programmes, possible.

“The conference was very enjoyable and made me realise what I want to do in my career.” – Pathways to Banking & Finance student