JPMorganChase and Bournemouth University collaborate to boost student skills

Bournemouth University students have gained valuable industry experience through two 10-week programs supported by JPMorganChase. Over 100 students participated in courses focused on software engineering and team leadership in the finance sector. The programs simulated real-world software engineering practices, allowing students to work on projects like developing mobile banking applications and presenting their work to JPMorganChase experts. Ugonna Princewill Frank, an MSc Information Technology student, highlighted how the program helped him identify his career niche in Solutions Architecture and DevOps.

Dr. Vegard Engen, Course Coordinator and Associate Professor at Bournemouth University, emphasized the importance of bridging academic learning with professional practice. He noted that students developed technical skills and essential soft skills like communication, teamwork, and resilience. Luke Dyson, technology center manager at JPMorganChase, expressed the bank's commitment to nurturing local talent and strengthening community ties through such initiatives.

In addition to the courses, JPMorganChase hosted a mentoring program for around 30 students, offering guidance on recruitment processes, CV writing, and interview preparation. Participants like Samuel Short and Rohail Sheikh benefited from insights into global corporate strategy and personal career experiences shared by their mentors. Shaun Butler, mentoring program lead, noted that the program helped bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world experience.

Bournemouth University and JPMorganChase are exploring further joint projects to build a strong talent pipeline in the region. Dr. Mili Shrivastava, Principal Academic in Strategy, highlighted the shared dedication to long-term employability outcomes and the alignment of student development with local workforce needs.