We know that you are proactive and keen to find the right career for you, whether in finance or elsewhere. Finding the right career for you is what the City Professional Workshop is all about.
We realised that the world of finance can be confusing when you're just starting out and trying to work out which job is right for you. There's a lots of misconceptions and - dare we say it - misinformation out there.
To help you secure your career in finance, we set about developing a course that makes everything much clearer. We asked experienced City professionals to give you the benefit of their experience and insights and we interviewed some of the highest achievers in the sector (including executives and Directors with over 40 years experience in the banking and finance sector). All their experience and tips are condensed into one intense day of professional training at the City Professional Workshop.
You can get full details of the programme below or watch the videos above. We'd love to see you there as we know how much of a difference it makes to people who have attended:
 Brilliant Day. Great Speaker. Well Presented.
By L. Thayala, who attended the workshop on 28th May 2008
First of all I would really like to thank this opportunity to thank you and everyone involved in organizing this motivating and inspiring event. After today I have gained a very new outlook towards how I am going to achieve my goals. I have set targets now and have formulated a realistic plan on how am I going to achieve both my short term and long term goal. The other thing I would like to commend is the information of how the jobs in the city are different. Before today, I was unsure of what I specifically wanted to do, though I knew I want something in the corporate or financial world. After today I have been guided to see the different areas of career in the city and will start my research on what I will do. I personally think the psychometric test would be very useful and I would be looking forward to have the results.
 This workshop is brilliant!
By Z. Theuzhanov, who attended the workshop on 19th Aug 2008
Straight to the point, no waffle, great value for money! Inside information about real life in the City is truly insightful and priceless. Would recommend it to anyone interested in a career in finance.
[ See all 32 reviews ]
Inspiring!
By Paulina Magda, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
First of all, it was a very good value for money. For everyone who is still hesitating whether to pay or not I will only say that I have never felt more motivated, inspired and self-confident, then after Simon`s workshop. The workshop was brilliantly presented, straightforward, to the point and what`s most important,supported with real-life speakers experinece. I strongly recommend to everyone seeking a potential career in Finance!
Awesome!
By Monica Agnes Fernandes, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Simon is clear, to the point and validates his statements with his personal experience.. which was priceless! He was always willing to answer questions and seemed happy to help. His enthusiasm is contagious, which results in increasing your attention span!
I now have a clear and concise understanding of the different roles in Banking and Finance sector (you will digest the information when Simon makes you repeat the important points while revising) and who better to impart the knowledge than the man who had been there and done that!
I walked out in the end... to fail my way to success...
Thumbs up to the Benedix team who pulled it together!
Warm regards,
Monica Fernandes
The Workshop Definitely Helps
By R.Robee, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Once the workshop was over, I left...feeling 100% motivated, inspired and more determined. The speaker, the other participants and all those involved in the event had brought so much insights in my dream as a professional and i would like to seize this opportunity to thanks everyone.
I would highly recommend other people to attend the future workshops, whether you are confused about your choices in a professional career, job aspirations, opportunities in the job markets or even your studies.
One way or another, this workshop will definitely helps you.
A Life Changing Experience!
By Rajiv Maru, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
Worth EVERY penny! This workshop has not only given me the belief that I can make it in the Banking & Finance sector, but provided me with principles that can be applied to all aspects of life. Simon was very inspiring and motivating and I felt he was really able to relate to the problems many people face – in particular undergraduates and graduates - when trying to break into the Banking & Finance sector. Eight hours may seem like a long time, but the time flew – I could have sat there for another ten! I strongly recommend this programme to anybody considering pursuing a career in Banking & Finance and to anyone who is clueless about what the industry has to offer.
I would like to thank the team at Benedix, in particular Simon, for taking out some time to educate and direct us towards the City Gates and making sure that we walk along the right path. Nothing comes easy, but I know I'm ready to fail my way to success!
Many thanks,
Rajiv.
Brillant
By Jake Steele, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
If nothing else it gave me a boost and re-motivated me. I'd heard a lot of 'NO' lately and to have seen someone gone though the same made me feel a whole lot better.
I've now got a new approach to get this job!
Congrats, a concentrate of Securities
By Martha C, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Excellent work, a concentrate of Securities for new entries in the City of London in one day! Very well done for the presentation, I never found such a short and useful at the same time workshop/seminar. What we need is financial education, congratulations to the Team @ Benedix.
Brilliant!
By Karthik, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Very inspiring and motivating. I was able to come out with a clear idea what are the jobs that exist in the city, thier profiles and hierarchy thoroughly. Simon also gave how much we could earn in each jobs and how easy or complex the jobs are. This is a very very useful presentation that gives you a direction where you want to go.
Great Job! Well done! Kudos to Benedix Team
Excellent!!!
By R. Naim, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Thank you Simon for such a thorough look at the inside of the financial world. The workshop was brilliant and very worthwhile. Simon is an excellent speaker who managed to capture everyone's attention for a whole day, and that's not an easy feat.
The'young financial professionals' who attended on 25th Oct 08!!
By Humza Ali Khan, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
At the beginning I was really weary whether or not to pay for such an event. But everyone in my position should know, that its great value for money and the stuff you learn can really help you. I took on board alot of important things and changed my approach in job hunting and definately motivated me to not give up. I feel I am getting a little more response with my new approach and simon dixon is the reason why. Definately something everyone should recommend to friends. The only sad thing about the whole event is.........I didnt win the raffle!!
Indeed a day's worth
By simplice solabomi, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Initially, when i was reluctant to attend because it was a whole day and i was like what would i possibly achieve within a day for the amount i am paying, i might as well stay home and surf the Internet. But my friends encouraged me to go so they can get a feedback from me on whether or not to attend. I must confess every bit of it was informative. It is a kind of workshop that if you do not want to leave with anything you probably might not however, if you set your mind to leave with at least something, you would be amazed at the number of things you would leave with. And trust me, my life changed that day. Simon Dixon...is an inspirator and he challenged me to achieving my dream leaving me with the notion that ...you can not keep using excuses for excuses for excuses as you would keep going round that chain. Rather, stand up and use a different strategy. '6 Degrees of Seperation'
AN EYE OPENER.
By BENJAMIN LARYEA AMENYA, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
I was expectation the programme to be similar to those we know all ready. but boy! I was in for a surprise, nothing I was epecting.I alreday new the sectore I wanted to work, but mine was joke. He touched on all the roles in the financial sector and the interdependece of those roles.I was also inspired very much on how he made.To put in a phrase what i learnt about to approach ajob finding I would say "THE USE OF UNCONVENTIONAL METHODS AS OPPOSED TO CONVETIONAL MTHODS, IN JOB FINDING". thanks to you all.
Economics
By Yevgeniy Kogan, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
This is one of the unique opportunities to get a fantatic start in your carear. The earlier you do it, the more time you will save, the quicker you will achieve a success. The workshop covers an essential part of the bussiness world providing you with a multitude of tips to find out your place in the higly competitive city. Thank you Benedix, particularly Simon Dixon!
Great Day
By Nikhil Deol, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
Thank you to Benedix for an insightful day into the world of investment banking. At the end of the day i had a clear idea of the area of IB i wish to go into and have now set myself a long term goal. Excellent day all round.
Excellent!
By Aron, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
When I booked up for the workshop, I had my doubts about whether it would be worthwhile and if I was wasting my time and money. That couldn't have been further from the truth, the workshop was great. Very inspiring and motivating thanks to Simon's clear and concise presentations and use of personal experiences to back up his comments. I would recommend this workshop to anyone contemplating a career in banking and finance.
City Professional Workshop
By CHARLES KINGSLEY AKUETTEH, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
This was an excellent and a high class programme, well organised and well presented. The materials and information provided was just right for the objective of the workshop. Sincerely, Simon is not only well verse in the banking and financial sector, but also have considerable experience to handle the programme. I'm particulary pleased to have been part of this programme and for the benefit I have derived which text books and journals cannot provide.
My personal request would be for you to provide me and all who will desire this to have a list of some of the financial institutions (Employers)categories in the three levels simon mentioned as a guide for us in making a decision when applying for a job. But for this, I will say the programme was excellent and need to be maintained for other to benefit.
Thank you.
CHARLES
Great insight into the industry.
By James Taylor, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Good value for money, the interview process and the material covered by the speaker is more than useful. The relationship between the various city professionals is explained in detail and has provided me with a much clearer understanding of the investment banking industry.
I fully recommend this event.
Good and Informative Presentation
By Hasham Mohammad Hanif, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
I enjoyed listening to Simon, who is really good at deliverying and conveying his message to the public. He talks from his exprience which is a positive point of the whole presentation.
I would like Benedix to give all of us the list of those companies that Simon mentioned about (three categories).
I also learnt how easy or hard it is out there in the financial world and now have an understanding about the day to day tasks in the banking and finance sector.
BRILLIANT
By SAROLTA PALANKI, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
I went to this workshop on a very cold morning. So, I expected it to be worth it. The workshop started a bit late and the interviews were a bit behind, but Simon was a great speaker and the whole day was brilliant. I learnt an awful lot and I quickly put into practise what I learnt with great results. I now have a positive outlook and I am making plans how to achieve what I want. I would highly recommend the workshop, I was lucky to have attended.
Workshop
By Zohaib Najeeb, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
Worth much more than they charged us so it was a great value for money. Simon has brilliant presentation skills and shared invaluable experience with us.
Fantastic day
By T Begum, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
hey just like to say the speaker was absolutely fantastic. loved the way he gave the presentation using personal stories. Very enthusiastic and great energy. the day definitely made me think about what to do next about my career.
City Professional Workshop-29th November
By Sneha Raman, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
The workshop was informative and interesting without exception.I think Simon deserves the credit for making it a success.
It was a good introduction to the field of banking and finance and was well structured.I would definitely recommend it to friends who have little or no backround in finance,but I am unsure of how useful it would be to people who have already had some experience working in finance like myself.However I still think it was a day well spent and might consider future workshops.
Great day!
By Martin Minvielle, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
Loved the presentation today. The speaker was extremely inspirational and helped me gain the extra motivation needed to get ahead in finding a job in the city. Only criticism would be the last part of the presentation, key 4 - Know the money. I thought the speaker Simon Dixon gave a lot of criticism about the current situation in monetary funds but never really gave an alternative.
 a little bit confused
By Alina Stahie, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
well..i apreciate Simon's way of teaching ..it's really impressive, but to be honest , from my point of view today(29th Nov) he has taught us 2 points: some aspects regarding the financial world and secondly how to present ourselves to an interview in order to be successful.But, i think these two targets were mixed and that has confused me as i think he should have been clearer by dividing the seminar in these 2 sections.But i repeat that's only my opinion.
City Prof. Workshop
By Koli YAN, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
I think it is a quite good day, provide lots useful knowledge, experiences, terminology, skills and aids for a successful internship in this high competitive industry. Simon is a really nice man with creativity and passion, really impressed me, and I really appreciate the amazing presentation.
Although long time working is normal for working in financial industries, I think the time is a little bit long, maybe split into 2days with more examples and details, or some further explanations in specific area would be better for us, easier to cover and memorise most of the stuff mentioned, and more pleased with less tiredness, it should be better even it would lead to cost few more money.
That's all. And I'm looking forward to this sort of workshops or presentations in the future.
Many thanks.
Great Seminar
By Ruth Dooley, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
I had a great day. The stops for massages were perfectly timed! Simon - phone number please!
Very good presentation, a lot of fruitful information
By Medi Yanuar Rahmanto, who attended the workshop on 29th Nov 2008
I benefit a lot from this workshop. Now I know what and how banking and finance careers. It was very well presented. Moreover, Simon gave so many examples and real case situation where I can imagine how the world of banking and finance.
Great day in my Life- "The seminar"
By KANWALJIT SINGH, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
I feel too much positive with will to do something after attending the seminar. Just recommend to everyone who seeking their career in banking and finance.
I cannot explain in words how i feel after attending.
Thanks Benedix and Simon Dixon,
regards,
Kanwaljit Singh
Excellent
By Tushar Ilwahdi, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
The workshop was great value for money as it provided a great insight on the City that you don't get taught in your lectures. Simon's presentation was clear and concise and his personal experiences kept you intersted throughout the day.
workshop
By Justice, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
It was great and every area of banking and finance job was well explained even a non financial degree student will understand.
it was a great afternoon.
Good for beginners.
By N. Mathad, who attended the workshop on 25th Oct 2008
Motivational speaker, but aimed mostly at people who did not know what area of banking/finance they wanted to get into - it was pitched very differently to me on the phone call. That said, it was useful to see just what is possible when you put your mind to it and persist through failures.
When it comes to getting a job in banking and finance, only 10% is actually being the right person for the job. The other 90% is knowing how to market yourself - knowing which jobs to apply for, how to apply, how to present yourself and what to say on your CV and in interviews. This is what City Professional Workshop was designed to teach you.
STAGE 1: Finance-Specific Psychometrics
Find out what your ideal role in the banking and finance sector is. The Benedix Psychometric test has been created by comparing your traits against those of people who are highly successful into specific roles within the City. Look past the stereotypes ("I'm good at numbers so I should be good at trading") and find out what you are really suited to. Confirm your initial ideas or get a second opinion that could send you in a new and exiting direction.
STAGE 2. One full day of intensive training from an experienced finance professional
On this fascinating and intensive full-day training workshop, a top trainer with wide first-hand experience in the financial sector will show you:
- How to choose the job that you want to get.
- How to secure that job
- How to achieve and climb the corporate ladder in your first position
- How to ensure you don't lose your job regardless of the wider economic climate
1. Which job? [More details]
Find out which sector is booming and where job prospects are highest
While the credit crunch has killed off any activity in certain areas of banking and finance, other areas are growing rapidly due to the response to events over the last year. Some of the sectors that are most popular with graduates are likely to be 'out of action' for another couple of years, so you need to know which areas are growing in order to make sure you don't focus all your energy on a sector that has no opportunities.
Find out where you fit into the City
Your trainer will explain the different sectors and roles in the City to give you an insight into the type of person that is successful in each. Ensure that your target role matches your desired lifestyle and personality, and guarantee that you are playing to your strengths rather than going against the flow.
2. How do I get the job?
[More details]
Why most graduates fail to get the job
To recruiters and professionals in the City it is very easy to identify which graduates will make it and which will not. You'll find out why it is that only 10% of graduate attain the career that they want, and what mistakes the other 90% make. Find out now if a simple mistake is all that stands between you and your dream career.
Find out what employers really want
Now you know what not to do, we'll show you what you can do in order to secure that position. From research with recruiters throughout the sector and our experience working with thousands of candidates each year, we'll show you what it is that employers really want, and what you can do if you don't currently have what they're looking for.
How to get your CV noticed by a banking and finance recruiter
The truth about CVs is that around 90% are irrelevant to the job in question and another 5% are just boring (to use the industry term!). To make sure that your CV is in the 5% that actually get read, it must be a sales document that catches the recruiter's attention from the very first line. Otherwise, you will not even be invited to interview. Our trainers will give you some top tips to ensure that your CV is noticed even in a pile of thousands.
Advanced interview techniques for banking and finance
Work out exactly what your interviewer is looking for and know how to give the right answer and speak their language. This helps you to mark yourself out as the best candidate for this position.
Speak like a City professional - City lingo and terminology to use in your interviews
Show that you are young finance professional (rather than just a student) by speaking the language of your interviewer. Understanding the lingo and terminology means you demonstrate your genuine passion for finance, and helps the recruiter to over-look the fact that you still need a lot of training before being ready to make money for the company.
Alternatives to the graduate schemes - find the companies that most graduates don't know about...
You may not get into the top ten banks, especially in the current economic climate where banks are significantly reducing their hiring (and stopping it altogether in certain departments). However, what many job seekers overlook is that there are hundreds of small to medium sized financial firms in the City. Because of their smaller size they do not tend to have structured application processes and are less competitive. Find out why experience in one of these firms can be more valuable than a graduate scheme at one of the multinational banks, and how you can go about finding and applying to these firms.
...and the companies that will survive the credit crunch
Naturally you want a position with long-term prospects - and not to arrive on your first day at work to find your firm has gone bankrupt! Find out which companies are most susceptible to the credit crunch, and which firms will survive and potentially become even strong because of it. Learn how to identify the companies that will become key players in the post-Crisis environment.
3. Technical Information
[More details]
The City Professional Workshop acts as a 'crash course' in finance. If you don't come from an economics or finance background, then by the end of the day you will have a comprehensive understanding of the finance sector and be able to understand the role of all the different firms in the City. If you do have an economics/finance background, then this workshop will give you the practical understanding of business to complement your theoretical understanding of economics. You'll even find out how the stock market really moves! By the end of the day you will have an understanding of financial sector that most people only get from years of experience.
- Business Life Cycle - how a business grows, IPOs, and collapses
- Business Angels - what do they do?
- IPO’s - what does it stand for and why do they make so much money for those involved?
- Underwriters - what is their role in an IPO?
- Venture Capital - how is VC different from a business angel?
- Public Debt Issues - why is this an alternative to issuing equity?
- Coverable Bonds
Inside an Investment Bank:
- Underwriting - risky but lucrative.
- Private Equity - why has it got a bad reputation, and why might it be the way forward?
- Proprietary Trading - versus other types of trading
- Analysts - why this is not really a job for shy mathematicians
- Sales Trading - is it sales or trading?!
- Fund Management - who's money are you managing?
- Market Making - who really sets the prices of stocks and shares?
- Stock broking
- Derivatives - what are they?
- Structured Products
Business Understanding / Commercial Awareness
Understand how the following businesses make money so that you can be outstanding in your interviews:
- Retail/commercial Banking
- Investment Banking
- Merchant Banking
- Investment Institutions
The three main asset classes and how they differ
Investing v. Speculating
Why you should be careful which one you talk about depending on whether you apply to a hedge fund or a pension fund
Fundamental v. Technical Analysis
Understand the basic misunderstanding at the root of this age-old debate, and learn which one you should use in which situation.
What moves a market?
- Sentiment
- Technical Analysis
- Fundamental Analysis
- Economics
- Institutions
- Brokers
- Companies
- Banks
What is money?
- Barter Economy
- Gold Standard
- Glass Steagal Act
- Money Economy
- Money as Debt
Banking
- Early Banking
- Fractional Reserve Banking
- Central Banking
- Money & Debt
- Islamic Banking
The future challenges of banking and the City
4. How do I achieve in the job?
[More details]
Understand the whole financial system so that you know how developments in other sectors affect your career prospects
As the current financial crisis plays out, certain sectors will contract and others will grow. Throughout your career you need to be aware of what is happening in other areas of finance so that you can see both threats to your career prospects and also business opportunities to be taken advantage of. The workshop will give you an understanding of how different areas of the sector connect and affect each other's activities, so that you are always prepared for whatever happens.
Lessons from CEOs and top achievers in the City - learn from those who are truly successful
Find out what those at the top of the career ladder did to get to be directors and CEOs.
Climb the corporate ladder
Use their experience in your own career to climb to the top of the corporate ladder.
5. How do I avoid losing the job?
[More details]
Why most graduates don't make it past the first three years
A massive proportion of newly-hired graduates are fired within 3 years, and only a small proportion are promoted. Find out what sort of person does get promoted and how you can ensure that you will not be one of those who are 'let go' within the first few years.
The Future of Banking & Finance
Find out what we should be expecting over the next 10-20 years, and how changes in the banking and finance sector could threaten your career - or offer you a massive opportunity. Be prepared for any changes so that you can make the best of any situation.
How to play your part in building a sustainable financial system and avoid being affected by the credit crunch
With forward planning and a good understanding of finance from the very start, you can limit your personal exposure to events such as the credit crunch, as well as playing your part in developing a sustainable financial system.
STAGE 3. Post-workshop consultation and follow-up action plan
Consultation with an expert careers consultants
One of our finance-specialist careers consultants will be able to help you clarify your plans after the workshop and guide you to the next steps to take.
Professional Qualifications - which should you do?
Your careers consultant will be able to advise you on which qualifications you require for your career path and how to go about getting those qualifications. An appropriate qualification is a clear sign that you want the job, whereas an inappropriate qualification simply shows that you haven't done your research into the financial sector, so this is invaluable advice and expertise.
Get a job with one of our partners - or with your own target employer
Now that we know which area of finance you want to work in we can look out for suitable vacancies as they arise. However, we don't expect exclusivity and a large proportion of City Professional Workshop graduates go on to use the knowledge they have learnt here in order to secure a position in one of the top investment banks.
Pricing
The workshop is priced at £99.99 plus VAT (total £114.49). Current full-time students are entitled to a significant student discount.
This fee covers:
- One full-day (9am-5pm) of intensive training in central London
- Workbook to accompany the day of training
- The opportunity to speak one-to-one with experienced City professionals
- Access to the Benedix City-specific psychometric test, which will help you identify roles which match your personality
- A follow-up telephone consultation to develop your career plan and identify companies that you can apply to
Student Discount:
Because we recognise that money maybe in short supply whilst you are still studying, we offer a full-time student discount price at £49.99 plus VAT.
You are eligible for the student discount if you are currently in full time education. Unfortunately part-time courses and evening courses do not qualify for the discount.
Upcoming Dates:
Location:
All the above workshops are held in Bloomsbury in Central London.
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Yes, I want to attend the Benedix City Professional Workshop - a workshop taught by experienced finance professionals for those seeking careers in the banking and finance sector. |
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I understand that on completion of my order I will receive (via email) an email confirmation with details of the date, time and location of the seminar. The workshop will be an intense full-day of information and unique insider insights in getting a job in banking and finance.
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Also, my confirmation email will include details on how to access the Benedix City-specific psychometric profile, which will give me recommended career paths on the basis of my personality. |
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On top of that, once I click 'Book Now' below, Benedix will send me 'The 5 Fatal Mistakes that Stand Between You and a Career in Finance', a free ebook guide to things that I shouldn't do when trying to get a career in finance. This will compliment the workshop (which will tell me what I should do)! |
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Following the full day of intensive training, I will be appointed a finance-specialist careers consultant who will advise me on the next steps I need to take and which qualifications I will require. |
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I can get all of this for only £99.99 plus VAT if I am a working professional, or £49.99 plus VAT if I am a current student. |
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(After your order is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email within 5 minutes. Your transaction is 100% secure as we use Paypal to process our payments). |
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To order by phone, please call us on 0845 021 2208 (local rate call) between the hours of 9am-5.30pm Monday to Friday. To order by credit or debit card or Paypal, please complete the details below and click the button to go to the Paypal website.
Got a question about your booking? See the FAQs below or contact us on 0845 021 2208 or email info@benedix.co.uk.
Need some help to decide? See what past attendees thought on our Facebook group.
We look forward to seeing you there!
FAQs
What if I can't make it on the date?
Bookings are non-refundable but if something comes up and you can't make it on the date you registered for, just give us a ring at least 7 days before the workshop and we'll happily change the date of your booking.
What is VAT? Why has the price increased?
VAT (Value added tax) is a tax charged by the government on all goods and services. When you buy DVDs, clothes, computers etc the VAT is usually included in the price so you don't notice it, but in professional services (such as this career development course) the VAT is quoted in addition to the price). VAT is set by the government and currently charged at 15% of the sale price.
Why do you need to know my student status?
Because we recognise that money maybe in short supply whilst you are still studying, we offer a student discount for students who are currently in full-time education.
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