More Than Just a Trip: What Capital Connections Taught Me

Posted on by Daniella Freeman

A group of students smile at the camera on a visit to a corporate office in Manchester

Hi, I’m Daniella Freeman, a 2nd Year Economics (Industry) student and part of GROW Your Future. Capital Connections gave me the opportunity to step outside of university and get a clearer sense of what working life can actually look like.

Over the two days, we visited a range of organisations including Deloitte, AECOM, Auto Trader, Havas Lynx and McCann Manchester. Each visit offered something different, from understanding how data shapes decision-making to seeing how ideas develop from an initial brief through to final delivery.

What stood out most to me wasn’t just what each company does, but how they operate. While they all spoke about their culture, it was interesting to see how differently that was actually reflected day-to-day. It made me realise that the working environment can vary a lot, even within similar industries.

One of the main things I took away from the experience was how many career paths I hadn’t previously considered. Before the trip, I had a general idea of what I was interested in, but I hadn’t fully realised how many different routes and opportunities are actually out there. Speaking to professionals also showed me that careers don’t always follow a straightforward path, which made me feel more open when thinking about my own future.

The alumni networking evening was also a highlight. Being able to speak with people who were once in the same position made everything feel much more realistic. One conversation in particular stood out for me. It centred around the importance of networking. It made me realise that networking isn’t just about making connections in the moment, but about maintaining them over time. That shift made it feel more meaningful and less like a one-off interaction.

What I’d say to other students:

  • Keep an open mind—your initial ideas might change
  • Don’t overthink networking, conversations are often more natural than expected
  • Focus on building connections over time, not just in the moment

Overall, Capital Connections was a really valuable experience. It gave me a better understanding of different roles and working environments, and helped me think more openly about my future.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone considering applying - it’s a great way to gain insight, ask questions, and start thinking more realistically about your career.

If you are interested in attending Capital Connections 2027, please register your interest here - https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QSzwiZfRrLworc

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