Finance student takes ICFE to enhance career prospects
Anna Wilk – Poland
'There is a huge demand for qualified bankers and financial analysts, not only in Poland but all over the world,' says Anna Wilk of Warsaw. 'Finance is a sector which offers great career opportunities, good working conditions and good salaries. Having always been interested in the subject, I decided to major in finance at the Warsaw School of Economics, where I am currently a student.'
To enhance both her studies and her career prospects, Anna decided to add ICFE to her portfolio of qualifications: 'In every financial institution, all documentation is prepared in English – it is no longer treated as a foreign language in the financial sector, but as the basis for communication internally and externally, especially as so many organisations are now international. I have had many interviews for training positions and found that the ability to speak English is very important and often a requirement of the job. Although financial English courses were available in Warsaw, I couldn't find qualification in this area, and so I was delighted when the British Council began to offer ICFE.
'ICFE is the perfect qualification for someone in my position, as financial English can be quite different from 'general' English. The section on writing was very interesting and relevant to my study and training as the skills covered – including technical knowledge, business documents and creative thinking – are very relevant to the sort of work I do. The speaking section was also very helpful; it comprises many different tasks, and helps develop the skills required to discuss issues with colleagues, or justify decisions to superiors.'
As a full time student, Anna found preparation for ICFE easy to combine with her other studies: 'I already study English as part of my course, so to prepare for the exam I reviewed all the material I had covered in class, and also enrolled on a financial English course which was being offered by my University. I also read some relevant books, and completed the trial questions which are available on the British Council website. The British Council also organised a mock exam, which I took part in.'
Although Anna's English is excellent, this is her first formal English qualification, and it is already proving invaluable: 'During the training periods that form part of my course, which take place in Polish banks, I will be obliged to speak English fluently, and thanks to the ICFE qualification I can do this without a problem. The qualification has also proved very useful on the IMP courses that I take part in as an Erasmus student at Albert Ludwigs University in Germany.
'By having the ICFE qualification I can also prove my fluency in financial English, which is of the utmost importance in the finance sector these days. Personally, I believe it will help me take on more interesting and challenging assignments, and could help me find my dream job.'