Two of our 5th year students along with one of our teachers Ms. Grimes won a trip to visit the EU in Brussels this was was coordinated by Junior Achievement and Bloomberg.The prize was to represent Ireland at an event in Brussels. Our two representatives Daria Dim and Kamilia Pastere were great ambassadors for both Ireland and Our Lady of Mercy College.
During my school trip, I had the opportunity to explore the world of finance and learn about the important role that women play in this industry. It was inspiring to see how Bloomberg empowers women in finance and provides them with opportunities to succeed.
I had the opportunity to go inside The European Council and meet Maireid McGuinness, the Irish politician who currently serves as the European Commissioner for Financial Stability, Financial Services, and Capital Markets Union.
There I learned that The European Council is an important institution in the European Union. It consists of the heads of state or government of the EU member countries, along with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission. The European Council plays a crucial role in shaping the EU’s overall political direction and priorities. It meets regularly to discuss and make decisions on various issues, such as foreign policy, economic matters, and the future of the EU. It’s fascinating to see how leaders come together to collaborate and address important European matters.
At the Brussels Museum of the National Bank, I learned about the history of Belgium’s financial system and the role of the National Bank. The museum offers exhibits that showcase the evolution of currency, the importance of central banking, and the impact of economic events on the country. You can explore interactive displays, view historical artifacts, and even learn about the process of creating money. It was a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the financial world and its significance in Belgium’s history.
Degroof Petercam is a private bank and asset management firm based in Brussels. They offer a wide range of financial services, including wealth management, investment advice, and financial planning. They work with individuals, families, and institutions to help them achieve their financial goals and manage their assets effectively. With their expertise and experience, Degroof Petercam is dedicated to providing personalized and comprehensive financial solutions to their clients.
Finding a balance between work and social life is crucial for overall well-being. It’s important to prioritize tasks, set boundaries, and make time for both work, family and friends . Mairead McGuinness gave me some great advice on how to manage these aspects of life effectively. It’s all about finding a routine that works for you and being mindful of your own needs. With proper planning and organization, it’s possible to have a fulfilling work life while also enjoying a vibrant social life.
Something that really amazed me was the Bloomberg Terminal! It’s a powerful financial information platform used by professionals in the finance industry. The Bloomberg Terminal provides real-time market data, news, analytics, and trading capabilities. It’s widely used by traders, analysts, and financial professionals to make informed investment decisions, monitor market trends, and stay updated on global financial news. The Terminal offers a wide range of features and tools that help users analyze data, track stocks, currencies,and access research reports. It’s a valuable resource for anyone involved in the financial world.
The visit was both educational and eye-opening, and it made me realize the endless possibilities that exist in the world of finance. I’m grateful for the experience.
The trip to Brussels was an excellent opportunity especially during our age while we’re considering our future career. To be able to meet and speak to the variety of people with advanced careers in finance and ask them about their progress, their work-life balance, the difficulties they have overcome and the goals they have achieved, it allowed me to gain a better understanding and a new perspective on the realities of this sector and an advanced knowledge of the different career paths within it. The most memorable conversation I had was with Caroline Francillete, who is a Sales Manager at Bloomberg, at the dinner table where we spoke about the unexpected changes in her career and how it eventually led to the job which she is happiest in. Another remarkable woman was Arlene McCarthy, a former MEP, who emphasised the importance of doing something that you love to stay passionate about it long enough to get a successful career out of it. Meeting and speaking to Commissioner Mairead McGuinness was genuinely just a once in a lifetime opportunity and thanks to Ms Grimes’ eagerness, Daria and I were the only two who managed to get a picture with her. Apart from that, the most special part had to be the other girls with whom we got to share the same big ambitions with. Considering that most of them are already in college, seeing them develop their dreams really inspired me as to the direction my life might take. Overall it was a great experience and what I took from it is invaluable and I would definitely recommend it to future students who are interested in finance.
