Eleanor is a Modern Languages and Cultures (French and Italian) graduate from Durham University. She secured an Associate Search Consultant role at Thurn Partners in London, through Bright Network. 
First, we’d love to know a little bit about you.
“I studied French and Italian at Durham University, which gave me the chance to work abroad - I lived in Bologna, Paris and Tuscany on my year abroad.
Having this opportunity to live in different countries and experience new cultures was one of the main reasons behind choosing this particular degree.
I graduated in June 2024 and started my role with Thurn Partners in September and have really enjoyed my first few months!”
What motivated you to apply for the role?
“The thing that initially drew me to Thurn Partners was the emphasis that the job advert put on the importance of communication skills.
Having studied languages, I felt that the role could be a really good fit for me and was interested in finding out more.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I saw the job listing in one of the job update emails I received from Bright Network.”
What was the application process like?
“The application process was really smooth and quick, which was great considering many other processes were extremely dragged out and lengthy.
I submitted my CV and had an initial conversation with Thurn's internal recruiter to discuss the role and the firm. I then had to do a case study to get a sense of what the work would be like, followed by a mock candidate call with a manager. The final stage was an onsite interview with one of the Directors and the Head of People, which involved a 10-minute presentation that I had prepared before and then a 45-minute conversation.
The hardest aspect was definitely the case study, as it was something I hadn't worked on before, but it gave me a great chance to demonstrate my initiative and ability to think on my feet, as well as giving me a clearer idea of the role that I would potentially be doing.
Throughout the process I felt very supported, and was given feedback and guidance after every step. One of the aspects that I valued the most was having the opportunity to speak to some of the graduate cohort who had started the year before me - it gave me a chance to get better sense of what the role and the company would really be like.”
What have you learnt from going through the process?
“I think the main thing that I learned was that it's ok to go into things with the intention to learn more, rather than already knowing everything.
When I started the interview process, I didn't know anything about the alternative investment space, which is Thurn's niche.
Throughout the process, I was able to do my own research and become more informed, and since starting the role, my knowledge of the space is constantly evolving.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“My advice would be to take the opportunity to ask as many questions as possible throughout the process – it was so helpful to speak to people from different parts of the business.
When I initially applied, I wasn't sure exactly what direction I wanted my career to go in, and so it was really useful to get a more detailed insight into what a career in recruitment would look like.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I've really enjoyed my first few months with Thurn, and I'm now looking forward to continuing to grow in my role and learning more about the industry.
There is also the potential for some of us to move over to New York in the next year or so as the company expands, which is very exciting.”
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