From Graduates to Associates: Reflections on the Journey Beyond the Programme

As the Graduate programme welcomes Graduate Analysts year on year,
we take a moment to reflect on the journey of the former Graduates who
have now rolled-off and stepped into their roles as Associates. Below, we
hear directly from them as they share key lessons learned, how the
programme shaped them, and how it feels to move forward with a strong
foundation beneath them

How did the programme help shape your professional identity or career
goals?

António: The programme was instrumental in shaping both my
professional identity and career direction. By rotating across different
teams, I gained exposure to a variety of roles and working styles, which
helped me identify the areas I find most engaging and where I can
contribute most effectively. This experience was key in clarifying what
the best fit is for me within the organisation. Equally important was the
opportunity to connect with colleagues across departments. These
interactions broadened my perspective and played a crucial role in
shaping how I approach collaboration, problem-solving, and long-term
career planning.

What was the most valuable lesson you learned during the programme?

Ella: The most valuable lesson I learned during the graduate programme
at BII was the importance of being proactive and engaged. Seeking out
learning opportunities, contributing to team discussions, and sharing my
own ideas and opinions made a real difference. It helped me build
confidence, deepen my understanding of development impact, and make
the most of the experience at such a unique and purpose-driven
organisation. It also showed me how much value you can create by
leaning into the opportunities around you, even early in your career.

What skills or experiences from the programme do you still use in your
role today?

As a Responsible Investing Associate at BII, a large part of my job
involves assessing investments through environmental, social, and
governance (ESG) lenses, to support our investment process. By
examining how potential investees interact with and affect the
environment, their workforce, and society we develop action plans to
enhance ESG and commercial performance. After investing, we continue
to engage with the investee closely and monitor progress to ensure
meaningful outcomes. The graduate programme equipped me with a
range of skills to enable me to carry out my day-to-day, the most crucial
being:

• Critical Thinking and Technical Knowledge: Essential for evaluating
  companies against ESG standards and crafting practical, context-
  sensitive recommendations. I developed these competencies during
  the programme and continue to apply them on live deals. For
  example, I recently assessed an Egypt solar power project investee
  against BII’s Principles for Responsible Investment and global best
  practices, analysing policies, procedures, and the investee’s
  capacity and commitment.
• Communication and Collaboration: Clear and confident
  communication is key to engaging internal teams and building
  relationships with investees and partners. Earlier this year, I visited
  Ho Chi Minh City to meet a banking partner in Vietnam. This was a
  great opportunity to understand local ESG challenges and co-
  develop tailored solutions to strengthen their operations and
  strategy, especially around risk screening and climate risk
  capabilities.
• Time Management and Adaptability: My work often involves
  managing several deals at the same time, alongside non-deal work.
  Managing priorities and staying flexible is vital. The graduate
  programme helped me develop my ability to do this, in a way which
  was supportive and not overwhelming.