We recently caught up with Shivalay about how they secured a graduate role with Bupa, how they built commercial awareness before the interview and their top tips for Bright Network members going through the application process.
What stood out to you about Bupa?
I studied Biomedical Science at university, but after graduating I wanted a career in finance. Bupa, being a healthcare company, ensures my connections from attending a healthcare-focused university are still relevant. The structure of the graduate programme is ideal for candidates who have the skill sets, but not enough exposure to finance. Additionally, Bupa was very welcoming as it was the only company that did not use one-way interviews, where you would record your answer to pre-determined questions. Bupa cared enough about their potential employees, indirectly told me that they cared about human interaction and that I would feel valued at the firm.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
I swapped some of my social media apps with apps such as LinkedIn and economic news. This meant I could keep up to date with current global events. Additionally, I subscribed to a few financial newsletters that delivered current trends and investor insights to my email. Using this knowledge, I was able to understand the motive of Bupa, as I could relate scenarios to other real-life events from the past during the assessment centre.
Commercial awareness is tricky because it involves understanding the bigger picture. I often looked at the job description of unrelated positions to understand their role within a company to gauge an understanding of how companies and businesses operate. It’s about connecting the dots and being aware of different things at a global, industry, organisation, role and personal level.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
My top tip is slightly unconventional. I think the traditional approach to tackling graduate/first jobs through creating custom CVs is wrong. I created a generic CV that addressed and encompassed most of the skills that the same position was looking for from different company job descriptions. I believe spending too much time on a CV and cover letter was futile if I wasn’t able to pass the online assessments, which you only complete after applying. I knew that If I did poorly on the assessment, my tailored CV wouldn’t be read.
Therefore, my top tip would be don’t be selective with the jobs you find. Always submit the CV and see where things go.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
Bright Network conveniently comprised the top graduate schemes on their website. This meant I could focus my time on my ongoing master’s and on applying, rather than searching for graduate schemes blindly. The deadlines with each graduate scheme also allowed me to plan my time between applying, completing the online assessment and my lectures. I’m quite proud that I didn't miss a single online assessment/interview whilst applying to over 157 jobs/graduate programmes.
I was also aware of great CV and interview top tips on the website, which I often referred to before the actual day.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
My toughest question has been “Describe a time you’ve had to adapt to change.”
This is quite a tough question because there are several examples you could think of, but during the interview, having to think of one example in the STAR format can be challenging. But I feel these questions are designed to throw you off and they're really just looking to see how you react in the moment. The example itself does not matter, it's the justification and timely response which is being assessed.
Did you use Bright Network Academy in your career search and if so, how did it help you?
I completed the Bright Network Academy commercial awareness course. I believe employers were impressed by the fact that I was motivated to self-improve. This is a key element to all graduate schemes that have a qualification on the side to complete. Companies need to assess whether you will have the motivation to complete a qualification alongside your other responsibilities.
Therefore, completing a virtual internship or online course could give you the edge or be the example you need during an interview. Highly recommended!
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- It’s a number’s game - keep applying for jobs.
- LinkedIn is a must. Consider it equal to the CV and cover letter.
- With the online assessments, use the first few as practice. Eventually, you’ll get the hang of them.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
