Representatives from the companies took part in the LUMS Career Insights Conference for Accounting and Finance students.  The event, which was organised by the LUMS Careers Team as part of the ACF350 Career Skills in Accounting and Finance module, saw 330 first-year students attend presentations about fields including investment banking, risk consulting, management accounting and audit and tax.

After lunch, there were workshops in which students had the chance to hone their skills in interviews, assessment centres and filling in application forms.

In addition to the talks and workshops, students had the opportunity to network with employers over lunch in the Hub.

Feedback from visitors was positive.

EY’s Amy Moody said: “We’ve had a couple of sessions this morning which were really well attended. So far, the questions we have had are all about ‘when can I apply?’. They are really switched on.”

Yohanna Wilson, from Mazars said that student feedback to her company’s talk had been positive, while Daniel Kenny, from Matalan, said: “It’s one of the busiest years. There’s been a lot more focussed questions. They have done a bit of research.”

His colleague Claire Spellman said that they felt the presence of their company at the conference added balance.

“It’s good from our perspective. Working in industry is quite different,” she said.

Many students found the conference interesting and gained an insight into different career areas. 

First year student Nureen Rashid said: “I think it’s very useful. I got to learn more about what I wanted to do.”

For fellow student Nadila Rashid, the highlight was a talk on investment banking.

“Most people in their first year don’t really have the chance to speak to someone that works in investment banking. It’s really good,” she said.

LUMS Undergraduate Careers Adviser Kat Price Edwards said: “This is an excellent opportunity for students coming to the end of their first year to develop their knowledge and understanding of different career options.

“Increasing awareness of recruitment practices at this stage is crucial, as students will be applying for summer internships which open in July 2015 for entry the following summer. The Career Insights Conference is just one of the ways we support our first year cohort with preparing for this process.”