Females of the future programme participant Review

I really enjoyed the experience because it was a very safe space for me to address any concerns I had and receive such valuable feedback. Being around females and more namely black and minority ethnic females helped affirm that there are similar-minded and ambitious women in the same position as me who are actively seeking opportunities such as this virtual experience to gain insight. At the same time I was able to learn about the different routes into the FCA (generalist and specialist) and learn more about the work that they do- almost everyone we spoke to had a different job role! The assessment centre was an amazing opportunity for growth and the feedback is going to shape my personal and career path going forward.

I felt very valued during this experience. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and the rest of the team took time to answer an questions that I had whether I felt it was silly or not. This was very much appreciated as it gave me the confidence to speak up when I had anything on my mind. This follows through to the chance to take part in an assessment centre where I could potentially earn a place on their summer internship. The FCA team believed in my ability to do well and learn and that was best place for me to do it.

I received a lot of guidance during this experience. This started from days before the experience happened where we received a handbook where we had time to digest through the information. This gave us time to get back to [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] if we needed any clarifications. Throughout the meetings, we were encouraged to openly ask questions if we needed any support. Support was also available on the assessment centre day if needed- which was beneficial as it was my first online virtual experience.

The skills I have learnt throughout this experience are invaluable. I will be able to adapt this to many areas even subconsciously. The FCA's values have really stuck with me and I will seek to act in the best interest of my network/strangers, be courageous by acting with integrity, deliver to the best of my ability and always consider diversity of thought wherever my ambitions lead me. I learnt that I should always affirm that I am worthy and deserving of all the opportunities that I have and I should not feel like an imposter. This can help me in university to have the confidence to present myself in scenarios where I feel unwelcome eg in debates. I have more confidence in showing out to the be the best person I can.

The experience was very well structured. The handbook set out the times for each activity that was taking place and the relevant links. Any external links that we needed were emailed to us- for example the feedback links, survey links and assessment centre login/ and testing. Microsoft Teams was very useful in this experience as we were able to use our cameras when necessary- making it a smooth process. The hands up process allowed us to speak at appropriate times. I would on recommend longer breaks on the first day as it felt a bit intense towards the end.

The atmosphere was great during the virtual experience. It felt very safe and welcoming as all the facilitators and speakers were very welcoming and open throughout the meetings and even in the assessment centres. There were many light hearted moments that helped the experience feel like a conversation amongst friends rather than a very professional corporate experience- which it also was! This allowed everyone to be open and honest about how we were feeling and wanted to learn by the end of the experience. The BAME panel, things I wish I knew, things we want to hear from you and personal development sessions were very insightful and helped to inform and broaden everyones view on things we may have never thought about speaking on.

By allowing us a place on the assessment centre to allow scope for feedback and a potential space on the summer internship.

It allowed me to hear from many people who work for the FCA and have been in similar laces that I have been in. eg hearing from recent grads.

the company culture is very welcoming and open and everyone is willing to help you grow in your career path. Seems like the ideal place to work.

Very valuable- I would have never considered a career at the FCA and I did not even know the paths that were available. I now know more about regulation and that there is more to life than banking.

n/A

Yes- we were able to interact with many of the speakers and can connect on LinkedIn.

Questions and answers were available throughout the meetings and in the assessment centres

Yes- many social clubs and support groups that you can join. Chances for employees to volunteer with charities of their choice

Yes- has changed the trajectory of my future career