Definitely passing my AF5 exam meaning I'd passed enough exams to achieve my Advanced Diploma, and being one step closer to Chartered status!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Go for it and don't look back, no matter your skills or experience! Just be prepared to learn and develop with your role. You don't realise just how much you can learn within the industry, even after years of experience!
meet holly.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
24
what subject did you graduate in?
History
what is your current job title?
Training Lead
what's been your most memorable moment?
A few months in, I noticed an error in a case, and was encouraged to ring and speak to the adviser to correct the issue (at the time, this was probably my worst nightmare). The team around me really had my back, and I felt like I had value within the company.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Put all the preconceived notions aside, finance is actually a very exciting industry to work in. You may be applying for a grad role now but you'll be amazed at how much opportunity there is within this industry. Not only that, you're applying for a role within one of the most ambitious and supportive companies within the whole industry. I applied as a graduate, zero experience or knowledge within the industry, worked my way up as a paraplanner and now I'm sharing and teaching my knowledge and experience with others.
meet jake.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
22
what experience did you have?
I studied engineering at college and then worked at a power station for three years before joining The Grad Scheme
what is your current job title?
Graduate Trainee Compliance Support
what's been your most memorable moment?
Definitely the company birthday - all week we were surprised with gifts each morning and even had a pizza van at the office!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
I'd tell anyone to apply and go for it! Don't forget to be yourself the whole way through because it's a very down to earth process and personality is a big thing, not just your experience and qualifications.
meet kate.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
25
what subject did you graduate in?
Zoology
what is your current job title?
Lead Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
The most memorable moments definitely involve puppies in the office, it always brightens everyones day!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Don't get put off if your degree has nothing to do with financial services. Just make sure you have the right attitude and transferable skills, and you can learn the rest on the job. It's a really supportive environment where everyone's got your back.
meet hannah.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
21
what subject did you graduate in?
Law
what is your current job title?
Adviser Support
what's been your most memorable moment?
The assessment day still stands out to me, even after 4 years. I had such a laugh that day. It wasn't at all what I heard other assessment days to be like, we all laughed and joked and got to know one another.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Just go for it. Be yourself and enjoy the process. Tell us who you are, what you are like and what your passions are. Regardless of what degree you studied for or your age, just go for it! What have you got to lose?
meet grant.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
24
what subject did you graduate in?
Business Management
what is your current job title?
Techspert - Paraplanning
what's been your most memorable moment?
The freedom and ability to progress at your own speed; which allowed me to take the exams quicker and therefore more responsibility to progress from a graduate to the role I'm in today.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Don't worry if your degree or previous work experience isn't directly linked to financial services; there's so many different skills and attributes that play a part in the roles here - your skills will be a lot more transferable than you may realise!
meet jenna.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
33
what experience did you have?
I was the first non-graduate to join The Grad scheme, but I studied law, psychology and history at A Level
what is your current job title?
Graduate Trainee Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
Definitely when I passed R01 and I suddenly realised this is real and I'm on my way to being qualified! The virtual comedy night and pizza to celebrate the office re-opening are also up there, it's a great balance of work hard, play hard.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Go for it and you won't look back! Whether you're are the start of your career, or wanting to pursue a new career path like I did, The Grad Scheme is the perfect platform for you to progress and develop both professionally and personally.
meet meg.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
22
what subject did you graduate in?
I studied french and history
what is your current job title?
Graduate Trainee Compliance Officer
what's been your most memorable moment?
The assessment day - it was so refreshing to attend such a laid-back, friendly and welcoming environment where you felt instantly at ease. From the start, you could tell that The Verve Group are breaking away from the traditional industry stereotype. We weren't judged on grades and experience and could just be ourselves.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Don’t let experience hold you back. Having familiarity in finance isn’t the be-all-and-end-all. The amount of support you get from your colleagues is undeniably strong and really demonstrates The Verve Group’s ethos: Got Your Back.
meet alasdair.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
28
what subject did you graduate in?
I completed a geology degree and a PgCE in education and training
what is your current job title?
Techspert (Investment Technical Expert)
what's been your most memorable moment?
Having DipPFS added to my name on the staff team page and my e-mail signature after completing my diploma – just a satisfying daily reminder of the hard work I put in over many evenings to get all of my exams passed!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Be yourself during the application process! It isn’t your typical interview or recruitment process, and you score no points for clichés, catchphrases, one-upmanship or abrasiveness. The assessment day is also a great opportunity for you to back up what you say on your written applications – your actions speak louder than words.
meet alanis.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
21
what subject did you graduate in?
Biomedical Science
what is your current job title?
Compliance Support
what's been your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment has to be getting my first exam pass with R01! having started The Grad Scheme with no financial experience, getting my first exam pass under my belt really felt like I was on my way to being qualified.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Don't let the word finance put you off! The Verve Group completely breaks all of the stereotypes within financial services.
meet jade.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
23
what subject did you graduate in?
geography
what is your current job title?
graduate trainee paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
my most memorable moment so far was definitely the Verve 2.0 event. it was great to relax as a team for the day, getting to know company updates and the vision for the future, as well as the focus on physical and mental wellbeing.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Just go for it, it is a fantastic opportunity with great training and development!
meet james.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
22
what subject did you graduate in?
history and politics
what is your current job title?
graduate trainee paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
For me it was definitely my first day, meeting all the other grads for the first time. I remember in the run up to starting TGS I felt quite nervous about how I was going to get on, especially as I haven’t come from a finance background, however as soon as I stepped foot through the door everyone made me feel welcomed and at ease. I remember being bombarded with welcome gifs in the company group chat and feeling like I had been here ages - even though it was only my first day! Even now I still love looking through all the weird and wonderful welcome gifs whenever a new starter joins!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
I would tell anyone who is thinking of applying to not let their background hold them back, to give it a go and take a chance. As long as you have an open-mind and a willingness to learn, TGS will provide all the tools to make a success out of a career in finance, no matter what your previous experience is.
