Hi, my name is Vinay Patel, a First Year Accounting and Finance student and a student part of the GROW Your Future scheme. GROW Your Future has been invaluable in the sense that it has boosted my understanding of careers prospects after university, as well as aiding both my commercial awareness, networking and application skills.

Throughout my time as a GROW Your Future student, I was lucky to participate in Capital Connections, a selective programme provided by Lancaster University every year for its GYF students, which involves a trip to either London or Manchester. I personally opted to visit the capital – London.

Initially to be selected, you must take part in a selection process, which involves answering questions and answering automated interview questions. Whilst a little time–consuming, especially with the many responsibilities and socials of university, it is a good experience for spring weeks, summer internships, placement years and grad roles you may wish to apply for throughout university (depending on your preferences and degree choices).

After that, if you are selected to participate in the programme, you will likely receive an email, asking you about your location preference, between Manchester and London (and on some years if there’s the availability for it, you might be able to participate in both). Following your saved selection, the GYF team then subsequently organises a “briefing session”. This session is particularly important in the sense that gives you a run down of what to expect at Capital Connections, including the timetable for the day, important contacts and expectations whilst on the trip. It’s also nice in the sense you can meet a range of lovely people from a range of ages, experiences and backgrounds, which ensures you will not be alone whilst visiting a city you may have never visited. This is made easier through group activities, which ensure mingling with others on the trip. Another perk of this mandatory session is the free pizza, and goodies (free pen and notebook).

Once you have selected your ticket times (free of charge, provided by the GYF team), you will now be ready for Capital Connections.

The first day involved trips to the civil service, where we participated in a series of interactive games hosted by Lancaster alumni and learnt more about the civil service, what they do and potential job prospects. This was followed by talks of overcoming adversity which was particularly inspiring. Next was a trip to UBS, a large and well-renowned investment bank where once again we heard from alumni and learn about potential roles available for students in all years there. Subsequently, there was a speed networking event in the UBS building, which was an excellent opportunity to work on networking with others, increasing your LinkedIn connections and learning from a range alumni from a range of professions. Also, food and drink were provided which is always nice. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons I had to miss the second day, so I did miss out on missing companies such as OC + C strategy and Samsung, so I am unable to comment on time there, but I’m sure it was as interesting and insightful as the first day.

Overall, I would say the Capital Connections initiative is a great way to meet people from a diverse range of backgrounds whilst at University, a useful CV item, insightful way to learn about career prospects from a diverse range of people and a great way to gain experience, in order to be competitive for potential opportunities.

If you are interested in attending Capital Connections 2026, please register your interest here - https://lancasteruni.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9QSzwiZfRrLworc

Related Blogs

• 

  My Experience as an Aspiring Journalist Attending the Capital Connections Manchester Trip, with Lancaster University Careers Service

• 

  Working Towards Net Zero: My Micro Internship in Lancaster’s Scope 3 Emissions Project

• 

  Discovering Careers in Higher Education: My LU Connections Experience

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed by our bloggers and those providing comments are personal, and may not necessarily reflect the opinions of Lancaster University. Responsibility for the accuracy of any of the information contained within blog posts belongs to the blogger.