We catch up with Yasmin about how she secured a role with Newton Europe, her top tip for members going through the application process and how she tackled the toughest interview question she's faced.
What stood out to you about the firm you secured your role with?
I chose to apply to Newton Europe because of the unique way they combine operations and technology in their Digital Consultant role. I wanted to keep using my skills in machine learning and develop my interests in technology while working side by side with clients in a traditional business consulting setting. Aside from the suitability of the role, the supportive and people-led nature of Newton culture is heavily demonstrated throughout their application process, from tailed newsletters at each application stage to a virtual activity night before the final interviews. The opportunity to meet various offer-holders and current graduates assured me I'd enjoy a graduate role with Newton.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
I am currently completing a Machine Learning MSc at the University of Nottingham, so a lot of the more technical awareness and knowledge needed during the application process I'd picked up on from my course. For building practical skills, such as tackling case studies and building business awareness, Newton run a variety of webinars for applicants which I found really useful and can be found on their website. I also joined a pro-bono student-led consultancy called 180 Degrees Consulting to gain practical experience of interacting with clients and learning about business models, all while working for great charitable causes! Finally, I read up on notable projects Newton had worked on in the past, such as the Ventilator Project launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
Be patient! Especially at the moment with virtual application processes, there can be a fair wait in between each application stage. Keep building on your professional development in the meantime and trust the process. Equally, it's also important to not over-prep - I've found that with Newton, in particular, value is given to being authentic and not an 'interview machine', something I initially struggled with and received feedback on following my Selection Day. Be sure to take this feedback on board and reflect on it before your final interviews.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
I joined Bright Network this summer about a month before I started applying to graduate roles. Their virtual internships in technology and consulting introduced me to companies, including Newton Europe, that I hadn't previously heard about. I also used the resources available from Bright Network, including the CV and Aptitude Testing guides, to prepare for each application stage, which helped build my confidence in the early stages.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
Newton like to test for a certain level of self-awareness and personal understanding, in addition to the usual technical questions. Questions that struck me as different from the traditional include;
- 'Tell me about your friend's greatest accomplishment'
- 'If your friends were to say something (constructively!) critical about you, what might they bring up?'
Because of these types of questions, I'd recommend really reflecting on your personal strengths and weaknesses.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Get along with your fellow candidates, especially on Selection Day. It's important to view them as teammates rather than competitors.
- Reflect on feedback given during the Selection Day, understand why that feedback was given and ways you could improve.
- Understand it's OK if you can't reach a final answer for a problem during an interview. The approach to and clarity in relaying your solution is just as important.
