Amulya is a first year Graduate Associate on the Supervision, Policy and Competition Graduate Programme at the FCA. She shares her experience working for the FCA and tips to help future applicants.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background before starting at the FCA?
I graduated from UCL in 2021 with a degree in History, Politics and Economics. During my first year of university, I took part in a spring insight week at BNP and more recently I completed a virtual summer internship with the FCA. In September 2021 I started on the FCA Supervision, Policy and Competition Graduate scheme.
What attracted you to the FCA and pursuing a career in this field?
I knew about the FCA from my studying but found out more when I came across their internship opportunities. When I completed my internship, I found that the people here were really friendly and always willing to offer help and advice which really attracted me tojoin the graduate scheme.
A lot of the work done at the FCA is about protecting consumers and knowing that the work I am doing has a positive impact on people’s lives was a real draw for me to the organisation.
Undertaking a rotational graduate scheme has also given me the opportunity to have a holistic view over different financial services. The breadth of knowledge that I am gaining will be really beneficial to my future at the FCA and if I wanted to pursue work in other industries.
What does a typical day in your role look like?
Every day is different on the graduate scheme. There’s daily admin such as checking emails and reviewing materials that have been sent over. There can also be meetings with stakeholders, both internal and external, where I take minutes which has helped to broaden my knowledge on a wide range of topics. I also undertake a variety of long-term projects, as well as tasks that come in daily from different departments from across the organisation.
As a participant on the graduate scheme there are also regular training days to help develop our knowledge and skills and these have included topics like financial accounting and risk management which are interesting and helpful.
Any tips for Bright Network members considering applying?
- Be open to new areas and divisions of work. You might have a focus in one area, but rotational graduate schemes and internships can help to provide you with awareness of new and interesting areas.
- Make sure to do lots of wider reading. Staying on top of the news and topical events within areas you’re interested and applying to means you’ll have more to talk about and a strong knowledge base.
- Make sure you’ve done your research on the firms you’re applying for and you understand their goals and values.
- Get involved in extra-curriculars outside of your studying. This will give you more to talk about and the ability to develop transferable skills.
- Be yourself!