I have always been determined to improve my career prospects and applied to internships during my first term of University. After endless applications I secured first year spring internships at Credit Suisse and KPMG. These experiences enhanced my employability and, in turn, made further work much easier to secure. They were paid and taught me huge amounts about financial services. Application rejections also highlighted what firms are looking for.
I worked for an MP in my first summer and during second year received several spring and summer internship offers. There are endless opportunities across industries, and short insight weeks or even days are invaluable. They often offer fast tracks to graduate positions. For instance, Ernst and Young’s leadership Academy was great fun and led me to their graduate scheme’s assessment day. My internships also led to fast tracks in Asset Management and Consulting.
The ability to differentiate yourself with work experience, activities and positions in societies is vital given the competition to secure graduate jobs. I even took evening Mandarin classes offered by the University to show that I challenged myself.
Furthermore, having had twenty-five interviews during second year I can confidently attend assessment days and have a job lined up at the start of my third year.
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