Liam is a History and Ancient History graduate from the University of Exeter. He 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’m quite curious in nature and am fascinated by a wide range of different subjects. I enjoy researching a topic deeply and identifying different, perhaps even unexpected connections.
I chose history with this in mind, the subject is broad in scope and it’s at the source of and therefore connected to everything. After reading about Thurn, I realised that parallels existed.
As a Search Consultant in the Finance industry, my desire to find connections in a complicated and expansive landscape becomes useful. I also enjoy learning about other people’s perspectives and there are many chances to do this daily in my job.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“I was eager to find a role that would immerse me in the Finance industry while also allowing me to develop strong people and sales skills.
When I was looking for roles, I wanted to find a position that offered a sense of ownership and autonomy, where hard work and dedication would be directly recognised and rewarded. From the material that was available on Bright Network, it seemed that Thurn offered all of this and more.”
How did you prepare for the interview?
“I prepared by learning about Thurn and the industry more broadly. I also tried to pre-empt some of the questions they might ask me.
I used the STAR interviewing techniques to help me give examples. I was most nervous about the mock call stage of the process. I prepared as much as I could, but ultimately you have to trust your ability to react to the objections given to you as they come up.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I found the job posted on Bright Network. Alongside the job posting was experiences written by employees of the company, which helped me to understand the business and tailor my application.”
What was the application process like?
“Thurn's application process was challenging but it was a good insight into what the role would be like. In the first case study exercise, I felt pressured by the time limit, but I also found the work interesting.
The second part of the case study was a mock call with someone at Thurn. I was nervous for this and did find that I had to think fast on my feet. It was a unique application process that challenged and interested me.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“I’m most proud of being able to prove that the skills I developed during my degree are applicable to a job in an intensive industry like finance and recruitment. I was initially nervous that I’d find it hard to find a position because there is no clear career progression for someone studying History.
I had an interest in the Finance industry but kept facing rejections because of my degree title. However, I persisted and found that once given an opportunity to demonstrate my competencies in a case study exercise, the skills I’d developed during my degree were more relevant that I’d anticipated. Once I got the job, it was great to know that my degree had not only been interesting but was valued on the job market.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“When I was applying for jobs, I had some good advice from a friend. He said to make sure that you take the time to understand each company that you’re applying for, so that you can make a good initial impression in your application, by showcasing that you are motivated for the specific opportunity you’re applying for.
If a company has extra resources available on websites like Bright Network, read them and think about the unique ways in which you align with what they are looking for.”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“Despite facing many rejections, when I found a company that was a good fit for me I actually quite enjoyed the interviewing process.
It pushed me, but it also interested me, so I felt that I was gaining something from it at each stage. I think trying to maintain this attitude is helpful, even when you don't land a position you likely develop your skills and increase your chance of getting the next one.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’ve really enjoyed my first few months at Thurn and I’m excited to continue building on my understanding of the industry, whilst also growing my network.
Every day involves speaking to someone new and learning something different.”
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