Back to Alumni Career Profiles

"It was the narrowing of my pursuits in tandem with friends doing the same that helped instil the value of hard work, dedication and teamwork in order to succeed."

Whilst I didn’t perhaps take the most traditional path into finance, I can trace my current occupation back to my first interest in business and macro economics which developed whilst studying economics at school, this was built upon at home and by my economics teachers with additional reading suggested regularly. Despite going on to study geology at university I always kept an eye on the financial markets and eventually this translated into completing two internships during my university summers. The first at KPMG and the second at Barclays. Whilst I enjoyed both, I found the work and opportunities at Barclays were better suited to my skills, so accepting a full time role on the Barclays Graduate Program was an easy decision.

Two and a half years down the line and I have picked up a huge amount of experience and developed as a young professional far more so than I thought possible. I believe this is attributed to two key elements. Firstly the rotational nature of the scheme has enabled me to work in 8 different teams across a number of locations allowing me to experience and watch different ways of managing and operating within a large global organisation. Secondly, having the confidence and conviction to both ask questions but also to put myself forward for new tasks and responsibilities. This ability without doubt stems from my time at Loughborough Grammar School and the opportunities that being there afforded me.

"University gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, develop new passions alongside the experience of running and growing a large organisation with a 5 figure yearly revenue."

Alumni Wisdom

Job Search Tips
Ask those around you for information and insights and do your research.  You can never be too prepared for an interview.  Try to speak to someone who works at the organisation in advance.

Current Needs of Employers in my field
Technical skills (maths/coding), a desire to work hard and succeed.  The ability to convey complex information succinctly to senior stakeholders.

Things I wish I’d known in Sixth Form
Make the most of the time and opportunities that you have before and during university, it is unlikely that you will have.  A broader education leads to a fuller life and a more rounded individual.

Describe LGS in three words
Friends, Opportunities and Empowerment