Bright Network member Ayesha is set to graduate from QMUL this summer and will then go on to join Babcock International Group as an Accountant on their graduate programme. Ayesha was happy enough to share her guidance and understanding of the application process which you can read below.
Why did you choose Babcock and this role in particular?
I chose Babcock because I wanted to work within an industry company but still within a finance role. The company appealed to me as they have four distinct sectors, and through the graduate programme I would be able to work within some of these areas. This graduate role also allows me to become CIMA qualified, which is something that interested me.
What was the hardest part of the application process? And you favourite part?
The hardest, but also favourite part, of the recruitment process was, for me, the assessment centre. This was my first ever assessment centre and I was nervous as to how it was going to go. The recruitment team and everyone there at Babcock were all so lovely and made us feel much more comfortable in what can be a stressful day. The hardest part of the assessment centre was having to give a presentation with under an hour's preparation time. It was extremely daunting, but everyone was in the same boat.
Were you surpsied by anything in the process?
The assessment centre was essentially a two-day event. It began in the evening of the first day where you were put up in a hotel for the night and invited to dinner with the other candidates and all the assessors. This is quite rare, but a really good way to get to know each other and see a familiar face when going into the interviews.
What three top tip would you give to fellow Bright Network members?
My first top tip for applicants would be to make your application personable. So, in questions where they ask: “Why have you chosen us?”, do your research to find something that attracts you to the company and that you can relate to something about you, or something you’re currently doing outside of academics.
Secondly, be yourself. Company’s like someone who will be able to get along with colleagues and fit in within the workplace.
Thirdly, make your CV interesting. In order to get noticed by a company you need to show that you are an interesting person, who’s not just about the academics. It can be hard to get relevant work experience in a financial field, but it is definitely not essential. Having a part time job shows that you can take initiative and have real experience in a workplace. Also, having external interests shows a more personal side to you.
What was the hardest question you faced at interview?
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