Ishika graduated from the University of Edinburgh having studied Economics and joined Baillie Gifford in 2019. She offers some incredible insight into the firm and her role.
Personal Approach
The application process felt simple and very people-focused, especially compared to other employers. After my initial application, the first assessment stage was sitting in the firm’s office having a face-to-face interview and delivering a presentation to potential line managers. Throughout, there was a real emphasis on spending time with people to discuss and explore the opportunity and my motivations. Baillie Gifford even organised a dinner the night before my assessment day, which was a great chance to meet fellow applicants, graduates and senior managers. It definitely helped to put me at ease and the conversations were refreshingly open and honest.
Busy and Varied
Within my first few months at Baillie Gifford, I’d completed my induction training, passed an IOC exam, done my first rotation in the Client Administration Department and delivered our graduate project. The induction was a great mix of face-to-face and online training, covering fund management, equities, bonds and derivatives, plus a range of personal development topics. The firm’s also very happy to help you source specific training opportunities, which is great.
Taking the Lead
During September, we were given the chance to shape our own learning sessions. We hosted eight sessions with 28 departments across the firm. Each department gave us an overview of their work, followed by a ‘speed dating’ style event which let us explore specific areas of expertise with members of different teams. It was a great way to understand how everything slots together and to start investigating areas of interest for our graduate project.
Challenge and Discovery
Now I’ve nearly been with the firm for a year, there’s no doubt that there is a huge amount to learn and deliver on this graduate programme – it’s been challenging and daunting at times with the occasional moment of self-doubt. The support I’ve had has made all the difference. Cliched as it may sound, Baillie Gifford really does feel like a big family and everyone has been welcoming and willing to help. It’s been the launchpad to growing my confidence and knowledge day-by-day and I feel excited about my next rotations – each one offers something new and surprising to learn!
To find out more about Baillie Gifford and view their opportunities, click here.