Suruthi is an Economics graduate from the University of Birmingham. She secured a Risk and Compliance graduate role at M&G plc in London, through Bright Network. 
First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
“Growing up, I wanted to be a dentist or a doctor. However, during sixth form, I changed my mind and decided I wanted to work in Finance and chose to study Economics at university.
My interest in Risk Management sparked from my Spring Week experience at Bank of America working in Audit and this led me to do a summer internship at PwC in Risk.”
What motivated you to apply for your role?
“During my summer internship, I had experience working with big clients like banks and asset managers.
This motivated me to secure a role at an investment bank or an asset manager. What attracted me to the role at M&G is that it was a combined Risk and Compliance programme, giving me the opportunity to experience another area of Finance which would expand my skillset and knowledge.”
What was the application process like?
“The application process involved submitting an application which included a CV, doing psychometric tests, a HireVue type of video interview and finally, an assessment centre.
The assessment centre consisted of a case study, a group exercise and a 1 to 1 competency interview. I was most nervous about the assessment centre as this was usually the stage where I would get rejected.
To prepare for the assessment centre at M&G, I reflected on my performance and feedback from previous assessment centres and identified areas I could improve on to increase my chances of success. M&G also held a session before the assessment centre which provided tips to prepare which I found useful.”
How did Bright Network help you secure your role?
“I found lots of useful information on the Bright Network website and I also attended lots of Bright Network events, including Women in Leadership, FESTIVAL and Internship Experience UK.”
What are you most proud of about your journey?
“Whilst applying for graduate schemes, I received many rejections. I am incredibly proud of myself for staying resilient during the process, identifying what I could have done better and applying this when it came to assessment centres.”
What have you learned from going through the process?
“I learned that when going through the process, it is important to be confident. Even if you don't know the answer to a particular question, try to give it a go to show the interviewer your thought process, especially for brainteasers.
For online interviews, sometimes you can forget about your body language - always remember to smile! Try to stay as positive and resilient as you can. Receiving rejections is part of the process and you are not the only person going through it.”
What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
“To increase your chances of securing a graduate scheme, try to gain as much experience as possible during university by doing Spring Weeks and summer internships. Other aspects to boost your CV are part-time jobs and leadership roles at a university society.
I would also recommend applying to graduate schemes as soon as possible to increase your chance of success.
Looking back, I would have started interview practice whilst submitting applications to give myself more time to prepare, so I would also recommend starting to prepare early and practicing competency questions, technical questions and brainteasers.”
Tell us about the future. What’s next?
“I’m currently doing my graduate programme at M&G which has been great so far!
I’ve had the opportunity to work in two teams, and I look forward to further developing my skills and knowledge as well as eventually deciding which area of Risk, I’d like to work in.”
Find insight schemes, graduate jobs, training contracts and more at Bright Network.
