Set to graduate from the LSE this year with a degree in Economic History, Bright Network member Sam has done brilliantly to secure himself a graduate role at Fidelity. Read Sam's insightful thoughts into the application process and advice for students unsure of what they want to do.
Why did you choose this firm and this role?
When I started university, I was very unsure of which career I wanted to pursue so I attended various events organised by employers. The best events I went to were those by Fidelity. I met lots of current employees who came to speak about various aspects their work and the industry. They also ran classes open to all on how to research and pitch stocks. I researched the opportunities available to me as a third year student and was really impressed by their Graduate scheme. It offered a fantastic educational support and the opportunity to rotate through a number of sectors.
Equity Research is a very cool role because one gets to study the world economy in incredible detail and then create informed and opinionated research articles which guide the investments of clients. The variety of work in Equity Research is huge, and there is an opportunity to specialise in so many different industries and world regions. The potential travel opportunities available for analysts of foreign companies also was right up my street!
What was the toughest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The Assessment Centre was both the toughest part, but also my favourite! The interviews were quite challenging, but ultimately I enjoyed discussing (and learning about) the contemporary issues affecting the role through the questions asked. The other candidates at the assessment centre were all super friendly! I was lucky to come away with not only a job, but some new friends too.
Were you surprised by anything in the process?
Again, the firm's friendly culture. Not so much a surprise, but the extent to which we were looked after as candidates was really over and beyond anything I have experienced before - For example, the night before the Assessment Centre (usually a notoriously stressful period), everyone was invited to meet each other and have dinner at the offices. Salmon and a variety of salads. Delish.
What three top tips would you give your fellow Bright Network members?
1. It's ok to be at university still unsure of what to do!
2. Keep an open mind and explore all the possibilities and make full use of career fairs, your university's career department and keep an eye on those employer events!
3. When you think you find a career that might interest you, do reach out to people who currently have that career. I did not initially have any contacts in Equity Research and was a little cautious using LinkedIn to try and organise those "informational interviews" - But actually in the end I learnt so much from these. The people who responded and I met were so useful in building up my knowledge of the role and definitely helped me find the right job for me!
What was the toughest question you faced at interview?
All the questions were very fair.
