Alina Vyerova came to Sheffield Hallam University to study BSc (Honours) Financial Trading and Investment Management after having found a passion and natural ability for trading during her A Levels. 

As a successful competitive martial artist winning two national tournaments, Alina found that she had transferable skills that applied to trading including self-discipline and a competitive streak. 

After a first year of study during the COVID pandemic, the opportunity to go to London to study in her second year, including a six-week internship with ZISHI Cornerstone, was a welcome prospect.

Part of OSTC Group, a global derivatives trading, education and performance business, ZISHI Cornerstone is at the forefront of financial education and training. It provides courses across areas of financial services, for professionals, corporations and leaders, and every level of trading.

The internship was a challenging and rewarding experience for Alina. “A typical day would include monitoring news that might affect the markets, undertaking activity on the trading floor, and learning theory.

“Every single day is unique. We got all the information at once and managed to apply that knowledge to the training internship. The journey was very progressive because you didn’t know how to trade at first. By the end of it, I think it clicked for most people and we came out with a strong understanding of trading”.

Alina was supported by staff and mentors throughout her journey at ZISHI Cornerstone, this included practical work, such as wellbeing webinars from experts like Tim Campbell. Additionally, Sheffield Hallam has offices in London which are used for teaching, with lecturers visiting to deliver modules and check in on students.

The internship has made Alina determined to continue with financial trading as a career. Entering a typically male-dominated industry, Alina wants to use her experience to become a positive role model and inspire other women wanting to enter trading. 

The real-world experience, alongside the additional level five advanced diploma in trading gained during the internship, has helped to open doors at the end of Alina's degree. She added, “I have grown a lot, both in terms of acquired knowledge and the practical aspects of trading. It has given me a real feel for the markets but also, it helped me grow on a personal level”.