Power Collective CIC hosting Power Up Live - Barclays UK

On Tuesday 7th May, Power Collective CIC (backed by We Are Power), hosted the second "Power Up Live – Barclays UK Edition" at the esteemed Barclays Technology Centre in Radbroke Hall, Knutsford. Held from 5pm to 7pm, the event successfully brought together over 70 students from various universities and, for the first time, a college, to engage with industry professionals and gain valuable insights into their potential future careers.

Power Up Live saw participation from a diverse range of students who attended:

• Liverpool John Moores University
• University of Liverpool
• Liverpool Hope University
• Trafford & Stockport College Group

“Power Up Live” is specifically designed to equip young talent with practical advice and insights to help them navigate their career paths effectively. Barclays mentors imparted valuable knowledge and expertise across various fields including Technology, Digital, Procurement, Software Engineering, Cyber Security, HR, and Data Science.

Mentorship and Guidance:

The students were provided with a unique opportunity to engage in both one-on one and small group discussions with Barclays mentors. These mentors, who are experts in their respective fields, dedicated their time to provide personalised advice, answer pressing questions, and offer a realistic glimpse into the day-to-day roles and responsibilities within Barclays. The interactions were structured to build the students' confidence and inspire them to aim high within their career aspirations.

Event structure (designed to deliver maximum impact to the students)

Welcome and Introduction: The event kicked off with a welcome speech by Simone Roche MBE and Kerry Phillips-Bland, Managing Director at Barclays. They introduced the students to the objectives of the event and underscored the importance of mentorship in career development. The welcoming address set a positive tone, encouraging students to make the most of the opportunities.

Tour: Students were given a guided tour of Radbroke Hall, including its wellness focused gym and the secure data control room, with one student quoting that: “It felt like something out of a movie and found true value in seeing a real working environment.”

Mentor Sessions: Students participated in rotating sessions, enabling them to interact with mentors from different departments. This setup allowed for a wide range of discussions, giving students a comprehensive understanding of various career paths within Barclays. These sessions were designed to be informal and interactive, promoting an environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and seeking advice.

Career and HR Advisers: In addition to the mentor sessions, Barclays HR team were present to provide detailed explanations about the job opportunities available within the company. They offered practical advice on how to apply for these roles and what to expect from a career at Barclays. This component was particularly beneficial for students looking to gain a foothold in the industry. 

Networking and Refreshments: The event concluded with a networking session, which allowed students to further discuss their career aspirations with mentors and connect with like-minded peers. This session was crucial for building professional relationships and expanding the students' networks. Attendees also enjoyed pizza during this session, which provided a relaxed environment for networking and informal conversations.

Key Takeaways

Invaluable Mentorship: The mentors' dedication was a highlight of the event. Their willingness to share their experiences and insights provided students with a realistic understanding of what it takes to succeed in various fields within Barclays.

Industry Insight: Students gained a deeper appreciation of the complexities and opportunities within different departments at Barclays. They learned about the latest industry trends and the skills required to thrive in a competitive environment.

Networking Opportunities: The event facilitated meaningful connections between students and industry professionals. These relationships could lead to future opportunities, internships, and even job offers.

Career Development: Sessions with career advisers provided students with actionable advice on how to start and advance their careers at Barclays. They learned about the different roles available and the pathways to achieving them, which was instrumental in helping them map out their career trajectories.

Participation Rate: The event had an impressive participation rate, highlighting the strong interest among students in engaging with industry professionals and learning about potential career paths at Barclays.

Benefits: Not only did the students find the event valuable, but the mentors also appreciated the opportunity to engage with the next generation of talent. This reciprocal exchange of knowledge and experiences was beneficial for all involved.

Conclusion: "Power Up Live – Barclays" was a resounding success, providing students with the tools, confidence, and connections needed to power up their careers. The event underscored the importance of mentorship and real-world advice in shaping the next generation of professionals. Barclays' commitment to fostering young talent was evident, and the provision of a return trip via coach to each respective university/college ensured that the event was accessible to all. The students left Radbroke Hall inspired and better equipped to pursue their career goals, marking the event as a pivotal moment in their professional journeys. As well as highlighting the Barclays graduate programme to future talent it also spotlighted the variety of roles across Barclays Tech expanding the brand beyond its "banking" image. 

First hand feedback from Power Up Live at Barclays

Trafford & Stockport College Group Students

What do you feel you benefitted the most from the session?

"Was an opportunity to network with the people that work there and I got to see the company and the facilities and also get an insight into the opportunities that Barclays offer."

"What benefited me the most was engaging with mentors who shared their experiences and offered valuable guidance. Their insights were both inspiring and practical, providing a clear understanding of how to achieve my goals."

"Probably the individual talks with the people working at Barclays at it have me an idea of what Barclays expect from me"

"I have a better understanding of the steps I am going to take after I leave college in order to get an apprenticeship. I received advice from mentors who were in my position and are now where I want to be in the future."

"To know that I had different options to choose from and that I am not limited when it comes to a profession that I have chosen"

"Having insights on what step to take next in my career. It was a very helpful session and I glad I was part of it"

"I was originally on a table with a mentor who completed an apprenticeship with Barclays and was really interested to hear her story and ask questions/get advice, however, she was moved from our table onto another only a couple minutes in. I didn't get another opportunity to speak to her as in depth as I would have liked which wasn't great but overall it was very interesting and informative."

University Students

“The Barclays event was inevitable the best networking event I went to. It was better because:

1) We met the team of Barclays which was great because I didn’t know the working environment, they guided me towards the right path.

2) We saw the facilities they have at Barclays and the site we will to work at.

3) It was a fun networking event. As compared to other networking event that were not tailored to our needs.”

“I got the chance to network with Barclays employees and gain valuable insights into career opportunities and paths. The event also gave me more clarity on graduate schemes, which was really helpful. And of course, the free pizza was a nice bonus! I’m feeling so inspired and motivated after this event. Thanks again to everyone involved for this amazing opportunity! I would love to go to more events like this."