Anna is an Education graduate from the University of Cambridge. She secured a People Graduate role at Visa, through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“I’ve always known I wanted to work with people so dipping my toes into HR, where people are the heart of what you do, seemed like a good idea.
I studied Education, Psychology, and Learning at university and may return to academia later in life. For now, I’m interested in exploring a career where diversity and inclusion, learning and development, and supporting people are prioritised."
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I’d researched Visa before applying and really connected with what the brand stood for in terms of its morals and ethics.”
What was the application process like?
“I found the application process exciting! It was great to meeting four employers at the interview stage, as it gave me a feel of the culture at the company, which is something I value deeply.
Before the interviews, I created mind maps and anticipated questions they might ask. Most importantly, I made sure to weave my personality into my answers to show authenticity and ensure they met the real me during the hiring process."
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I joined Bright Network in my penultimate year of university to explore potential opportunities for the summer.
The platform is engaging, super user-friendly, and made me feel at ease in applying to an internship.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I come from a family of four public-sector workers, so I always had reservations about applying for roles in the private sector.
Hearing stories from people with similar backgrounds who have secured jobs in banks and businesses made me feel more comfortable in trying something different and seeing if it’s a good fit for me.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My advice would be to give it your best shot and don’t be afraid to try something new!
Reach out to people on LinkedIn and ask about their career journey and whether they have any advice for you. It’s okay to take some time to find your feet and it’s also okay to change your mind.”
What have you learnt from going through the process?
“I’ve learnt that you don’t have to be perfect—just give it your best shot.
Don’t change to fit a company; instead, apply to places you’d feel proud to work for.”
Find industrial placements, graduate jobs and more at Bright Network.
