Tom tells us about his experiences joining Clearwater on the graduate scheme.
Tell us a bit about yourself
I joined Clearwater from university in 2018 as part of the Graduate Scheme, having previously gained some M&A experience through internships. I’m now a Senior Associate within Clearwater’s Business Services sector team.
What originally attracted you to Clearwater?
After meeting with several of the Clearwater team, it became very clear that they truly care about each and every client and also thoroughly enjoy doing deals. Additionally, unlike some competitors, Clearwater’s sole focus is corporate finance, which I see as a massive positive.
How did the graduate scheme set you up for a successful career with Clearwater?
The Graduate Scheme ran over a 2-year period and was organised so as to provide all the support necessary for me to progress within Clearwater. My professional development came from a number of sources, including week-long external training courses, in-house learning sessions and ongoing advice from senior colleagues. However, I was given deal experience from day one, so on-the-job experience formed the bulk of my learning.
Tell us about your career journey so far.
So far, I have worked on six completed sell-side transactions, which involved a mix of private equity and trade buyers. As part of Clearwater’s sector rotation, I have spent time within the Business Services, Consumer and Industrial sectors, gaining experience in a number of industries.
What do you enjoy most about working at Clearwater?
The Clearwater team is what truly sets the firm apart. I absolutely love spending time with the team, whether that’s working on deals, in the office or at networking events.
What advice would you give to applicants looking to start their career at Clearwater?
Be yourself. In reality, most applicants will be able to do the technical side of the job, however where you will really differentiate yourself is through interactions with clients, colleagues and other professionals.
What do Clearwater’s values / culture mean to you?
Clearwater’s culture aligns perfectly with my approach. All senior colleagues are approachable and will spend time talking you through any problems. There is a real culture of empowerment and ownership across the firm.