Vania Ahiakwo
Name: Vania Ahiakwo
Course: Economic and Social Studies
Year of Study: 2
Graduation Year: 2026
What work experience did you do?
Trading Spring Internship at Dare
What was it that inspired you to look for work experience?
Going into my second year, I began taking more finance-focused modules, which sparked my curiosity about the broader career opportunities within the financial sector. While investment banking is often the most talked-about route, I was eager to explore less conventional paths. I wanted hands-on experience to see how my background in economics and finance could translate into the real world, beyond the classroom.
Why did you choose to do work experience in this area?
I hadn’t considered trading until I came across Dare’s Spring Week. What really caught my attention was their focus on fuel and crude oil trading. Having grown up in a leading oil-producing country, the chance to explore this field felt like a meaningful way to connect my personal history with my academic journey. It gave me a fresh perspective on trading, and I was excited to see how global events and commodities intersect with finance.
Give a brief snapshot of your role:
- Shadowed fuel and crude oil traders, learning about real-time, over-the-counter (OTC) trading.
- Practiced blottering and participated in communication training, key skills for OTC environments.
- Delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the life cycle of a trade, incorporating what I’d learned from the trading floor.
How did the Bursary award support you in gaining experience?
Since the internship was unpaid and based in London, the costs of travel and daily expenses were a concern, especially during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The bursary made a huge difference—it helped cover my travel, allowing me to attend without taking stressful, long commutes or worrying about affordability. It made the experience far more accessible and comfortable.
What were the most enjoyable aspects of your role?
Shadowing traders during high-pressure market windows was exhilarating. A standout moment was witnessing the immediate market reaction when President Donald Trump announced additional tariffs on China. The atmosphere on the trading floor became intense, and seeing real-world geopolitics affect prices in real time was worth it.
What were the challenges?
Initially, understanding the fast-paced trading jargon and acronyms was challenging. But with time, observation, and asking questions, I gradually became more comfortable navigating the language of trading.
Did you have any worries or concerns before your work experience and if so how were they dealt with and overcome?
Yes—since I had no prior exposure to trading, I was worried I wouldn’t understand anything or that I might not fit in. However, the team at Dare was incredibly welcoming and encouraging. Their support helped ease my nerves, and I realised that asking questions and being eager to learn was more important than having all the answers.
What specific or transferable skills did you develop through the work experience?
- Communication skills, especially in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment
- Attention to detail while blottering and tracking trades
- A stronger grasp of global market dynamics and the importance of staying informed
- Confidence in presenting technical information clearly, thanks to our end-of-week presentation
Did the work experience give you any insights and have these influenced your career pathway?
Absolutely. It opened my eyes to the dynamic world of trading, which I hadn’t seriously considered before. I learned that I enjoy working in fast-paced environments and found it incredibly fulfilling to see how academic knowledge translates into high-impact decisions. I’m now seriously considering a future in trading or commodity finance.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future students looking to gain work experience?
Be open-minded—you might discover a passion in a field you’d never considered before. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or feel like you need to know everything going in. Curiosity and a willingness to learn will take you far. And if finances are a barrier, look into bursaries and support—they make experiences like this possible.
