I am a Software Developer on the Quant Platform team and have been for 1 year. The previous two years I was on Insight Investment's Technology Graduate Programme, rotating between 4 teams. In my current role I develop the Quant Platform alongside my colleagues and assist the Quants with productionising their models. My academic background is an Undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in the Mathematics of Cybersecurity, both taken at the University of Bristol.
Why Insight Investment?
One thing I really looked out for in interviews was the type of people that were interviewing me. In my interviews with Insight, all interviewers seemed genuinely interested in my answers to questions and to understand the person I was. The grad scheme was also very attractive as it included 4 rotations in different teams. At the time I didn’t know what area of Technology I wanted to work in so this was a beneficial element of the graduate scheme for me.
What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?
Insight are very good at enabling on career development and recently I have been selected to take part in the 30% Club Cross Company Mentoring Programme – a worldwide scheme focusing on gender equity. I have been able to attend technology conferences with Insight, like Microsoft Ignite, to enable me to widen my knowledge in my field. I have been appointed chairperson of the Technology Social Committee and along with the team, organise events for colleagues to socialise and get to know one another. Women at Insight is a Diversity and Inclusion committee that I take part in, which runs some interesting events and initiatives.
What are you enjoying the most about working at Insight Investment and your role?
Insight offer a great level of support to their employees. I have really noticed that care and health (both mentally and physically) of employees is a number one priority. In the technology department, there is a wide range of teams and having done the grad scheme I have gained a good network. Everyone is always very helpful and keen to discuss problems they may have a solution too. From what I have heard, I believe this is prevalent across the whole business also.
Insight have listened throughout my career with them about my personal goals and priorities and allowed me to choose graduate rotations and roles based on this. They have been very willing for me to mould my own career journey and given me the necessary tools to do so.
What top tips would you give to graduates applying now?
I know it is a cliché thing to say but I would reiterate that the most important thing is to be yourself. At Insight, they are genuinely looking to get to know you and your qualities and there is no point in trying to be someone you are not.
We had a group assessment and I think it is important to enjoy that and interacting with your potential future colleagues – try to approach the task as you would if you were outside an assessment centre. Make sure you give reasoning throughout for your decisions, especially in the pair programming and group assessments so the assessors can understand your thinking and how your brain works to problem solve.
I would do some research on Insight and the values of the company. No need to go overboard and research very low level details but understand the main topics that are important and understand whether that sounds appealing to you and raise your points of interest in your assessment centre.