Spring week Review

I really enjoyed this week - it was full of information on how the FCA is structured, which I found really interesting, and learned about the strong positive work culture they have here.

Like graduates’ opinions are valued as soon as they join the company, it is reflected in how we were treated. Even though we’re first years, our opinions and interest in the company are taken seriously. The employees which came in from different parts of the company would happily take multiple questions after their talks.

In terms of how we can prepare for applications and interviews with the FCA if we were to apply for internships and graduate roles in the future, we were given a lot of hints and tips which I feel will really help me stand out. However in terms of the questions we were presenting on, maybe more guidience on how we can approach the question earlier on in the week would be beneficial .

This week has really helped me develop application and interview skills e.g. standing out and learning a lot about the firm your applying for. In addition we were given tips on how to present better and how to structure our PowerPoints, which will assist me in future presentations in my degree and any assessment day.

Even before the week started, we were given a timetable of the entire week with times of what we were going to do. We could start the day prepared with questions before the talk started if we wanted to, and research what what we were about to learn. I would have preferred if we were given more time to practice our group presentations earlier on in the week, instead of leaving most of it to the last two days.

As soon as you walk through the doors everyone if friendly. The other girls on the week were all lovely and there wasn’t a strong feel of competitiveness, and if it was there is was friendly. The graduates were interested in us and directors were happy to take questions. Overall, the atmosphere was very positive, curious and informative.

The entire week was full of training and development presentations in terms of developing our interview skills and presentation skills.

We had graduates and managers in from each segment of the FCA. They all explained what they do on a daily basis really well and helped us understand their job role greater.

Company culture at the FCA is really strong. Each graduate we spoke to to,dus how much they liked their job and how inclusive and respectable everyone is to each other.

We learned a lot about different departments and what differentiates one from another. While doing this they made them sound really interesting so I now have two main sectors I’d like to work in at the FCA if I chose it as a career path.

Since I’m from outside of London, a hotel was covered and train to and from London reimbursed.

One on one talks and pannels with grads.

I’d recommend it to anyone with an interested in the financial sector or enforcement.