We caught up with Scott, who spent a summer with Baillie Gifford on their Software Development Internship Programme, and joined the graduate programme after graduating with a degree in Applied Computing at the University of Stirling. He provides us with some incredible insight into the company and his role.
Recommended by a friend
I found out about Baillie Gifford through word of mouth as one of my friends joined the firm through the graduate programme. I did a bit of research, and the company’s Shared Beliefs, particularly their customer-focused approach, really resonated with me. At the time, I had a part-time job in the leisure industry and understood the importance of putting customers first. In addition, the application process was very straightforward and relaxed, which suited my personality and allowed me to show who I really am.
Big change
Since I was sixteen, I've worked as a lifeguard, so understandably, I had some apprehension about my first office-based role. It’s a very different
environment! But I was soon at ease as everyone was so welcoming and encouraged me to ask lots of questions. In addition, it was interesting to meet people from different departments within the firm and better understand the business. I was lucky enough to spend time with an investment manager, a senior trader in the Trading Department and the Settlements Central Support manager. With the Trading department, I even helped put a real trade through, which was very exciting.
Our project
During the placement, I worked on a project for the Client Department Support team. Our task was to create an events management system from scratch, where ticket availability can be posted, people can express interest and then tickets can be allocated. It was really satisfying to work on a real, live project from beginning to end.
Graduate role
My experience during the internship was so good that I applied for the graduate programme and was lucky enough to get a place. Thanks to the knowledge I’d gained during the internship, I could pick up where I left off when I re-joined as a graduate trainee. The opportunities here are leaps and bounds ahead of anything I had in previous roles. I want to work with like-minded people, and I want to give everything to my job and do the best I can. Everyone at Baillie Gifford feels the same.
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To find out more about Baillie Gifford and view their opportunities, click here.