When I reflect on my time in London, it still feels surreal. As a senior in the UConn Opportunity Fund Project, I never imagined that a single week could completely transform my perspective on the finance world. But that’s exactly what happened when I, along with seven other UConn students and four women from the University of British Columbia’s Swift program, embarked on a whirlwind trip to London. None of it would have been possible without Kathy Hendrickson from UConn’s Career Development Center, whose support made this entire opportunity a reality.
Guided by Steve Wilson, we spent five jam-packed days meeting with 18 companies, including asset managers, investment firms, consulting firms, and more. Our days started as early as 7 AM and didn’t end until 10 PM, filled with invaluable learning experiences and countless opportunities to network. Whether we were riding the tube to our next meeting or running through the city to make it on time, the energy was contagious and exhilarating. London itself became part of our adventure—shopping, museums, bus tours, and trying new cuisines every night. From Portuguese to Nigerian, Turkish to Mediterranean and Indian, Steve made sure we had the chance to immerse ourselves in the city’s diverse culture.
One meeting that left a lasting impression on me was with Helen Schoeb, who shared her wisdom about career counseling and gave us advice that genuinely changed how I think about my future. Her insights pushed me to reflect on my own journey and to think about how I want to make an impact in the finance world. I also couldn’t help but feel incredibly inspired at the women-in-finance networking events, seeing so many accomplished women thriving in such demanding roles. It made me feel like the dreams I have are actually attainable, and it motivated me to keep pushing myself.
We visited some of the most influential firms in the finance world, including Leif Bridge, Centiva Capital, Schroders, Church of England, Morgan Stanley, Lansdowne Partners, Albourne Partners, Cederberg, CG Asset, GIC, Brown Advisory, Quilter Cheviot, Troy Asset Management, Lloyds Bank, Green Ash, Liontrust, and 3i. We covered so much ground—learning about ESG, emerging markets, financial modeling, trading, investor relations, and the different investment processes of each firm. Meeting women from the GAIN group was such a highlight—it was so reassuring and motivating to meet women our age in London who share the same passion for finance.
One lesson that really stuck with me was the idea that “the world of finance rewards the obsessed.” That mindset kept coming up throughout the trip as we met people who were truly passionate and relentless in their pursuit of success. We also got practical advice on how to break into the industry, ace interviews, and navigate the competitive finance landscape. One key takeaway from Lloyd’s Bank was the importance of confidence—speaking up, asking for what you want, and not letting challenges get in your way. They really emphasized that perseverance is crucial, and it’s okay to follow your own unique path without feeling pressured to have it all figured out right away.
Looking back, I still can’t believe how much we managed to do and learn in just five days. This trip wasn’t just about career growth—it was about making friendships, stepping out of my comfort zone, and experiencing life in one of the world’s most exciting cities. I miss it already, and I know I’ll carry these lessons with me for a long time. The experience gave me a whole new appreciation for the finance industry and the global opportunities it offers, and I know I’ll keep drawing from what I learned as I move forward. A huge thank you to Steve Wilson for making this experience possible and for guiding us through every step of the way. Your support and leadership made all the difference!
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