Cookies — it's your choice

At Bright Network we use cookies and similar technologies to help deliver you the best possible experience. Some are necessary to help our website work properly and can't be switched off, and some are optional but support Bright Network in building and running the service that we provide to you.

Data we store

  • Essential cookies to make this website work
  • Third party cookies used for personalised ads and content

You can find out more in our privacy policy and cookie policy, and manage the choices available to you at any time by going to ‘Privacy settings’ at the bottom of any page.

Are you happy to accept all cookies?
  • Home
  • Choose a career
    • No idea what to do?
    • Career path test
    • Career path guides
    • Top graduate employers
    • Job profiles
    • Further study
  • Internships
    • Find an internship
    • Top graduate employers
    • Deadline Tracker
    • Internship Experience UK
  • Jobs
    • Find a graduate job
    • Top graduate employers
    • Deadline Tracker
  • Career advice
    • No idea what to do?
    • CV advice
    • Aptitude & numerical tests
    • Interviews
    • Assessment centres
    • Commercial awareness
    • Core career skills
    • Entering the world of work
    • Career path test
  • Academy
    • Free courses
    • Psychometric tests
  • Events
    • Bright Network events
    • Virtual University Series
    • Employer events
    • Previous event highlights
  • Success stories
    • Member success stories
  • About us
  • For employers
Home
  • Login
  • |
  • Signup
  • About us
  • For employers
  • FAQs
  • Choose a career
    No idea what to do? Career path test Career path guides Top graduate employers Job profiles Further study
  • Internships
    Find an internship Top graduate employers Deadline Tracker Internship Experience UK
  • Jobs
    Find a graduate job Top graduate employers Deadline Tracker
  • Career advice
    No idea what to do? CV advice Aptitude & numerical tests Interviews Assessment centres Commercial awareness Core career skills Entering the world of work Career path test
  • Academy
    Free courses Psychometric tests
  • Events
    Bright Network events Virtual University Series Employer events Previous event highlights
  • Success stories
    Member success stories

Securing a Graduate Scheme at the Financial Conduct Authority - Top tips from Marlena

Created on 22 May 2017

We caught up with Bright Network member and UCL student Marlena, who has recently been offered a place on the Strategy and Competition graduate scheme at the FCA. After meeting them at the Bright Network Festival, she tells us how she secured the role.

Why did you choose the FCA?

I was initially interested in the FCA because of how dynamic they are as a company but I also had the pleasure of meeting them at the Bright Network Festival. They were so friendly and I really felt like I got on well with them. 

I used the opportunity at the Bright Network Festival to ask them if they are willing to sponsor international students like myself because I didn’t want to waste my time applying. Fortunately, they said yes and from then on I was certain this was the company for me.

I chose the Strategy and Competition graduate scheme because I’m passionate about innovation and technology. 

What was the application process like?

The application process was so quick. I completed the online application then soon after had a telephone interview. The next day I was told that my telephone interview went well and was invited to the assessment centre, which took place the following week. I was surprised how efficient it all was.

What you think helped you stand out?

One extra bonus I had was my previous internship with L’Oréal. I found it really helped when applying for graduate schemes. It not only looks good on my CV, but I gained a lot of experience and transferable skills that I was able to discuss in interviews.

What's you top tip for students wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Maybe the biggest thing I learnt was that it’s best not to procrastinate; apply as early as you can because spaces do fill up quickly.

 

Looking to follow in Marlena's footsteps? Discover live graduate opportunities with Financial Conduct Authority.

Bright Network member, Marlena
Marlena, University College London
Financial Conduct Authority, Strategy and Competition Graduate Scheme
2017

Related Success Stories

  • Securing a graduate role at J.P. Morgan - Top tips from Coral, a Graduate Credit Sales Analyst
  • Lorna shares her insight into securing a Consulting role
  • Securing a graduate role with American Express - Top tips with Liberty, a Finance Intern
  • Graduate insight into securing an internship with UBS
  • Graduate insight into securing a Spring week with BlackRock
Careers - work for usGet in touchTerms and conditions
Community guidelinesPrivacy policyBrowse site
Bright Network © 2022