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 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?
Investment Specialist
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 alex.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
21
what subject did you graduate in?
Psychology
what is your current job title?
Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
Being the first winner of The Verve Award.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Don't worry if you've never heard of a paraplanner, or haven't much experience with finance, I didn't either when I first came across The Grad Scheme. However, you quickly learn on the job and lots of skills are transferable, such as attention to detail and analytical thinking.
meet angus
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
24
what subject did you graduate in?
Games Development & Design
what is your current job title?
Web Developer
what's been your most memorable moment?
Our annual kick-off day for sure!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Verve's really people focussed, so just relax, be yourself and you'll fit right in! Verve can teach you anything you need to know but they can't teach you how to be you.
meet becky.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
21
what subject did you graduate in?
Crime and Investigation
what is your current job title?
Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
It's still my first week. I started when Para-Sols were going through a big anniversary, so the team got gifts like branded coffee cups, a journal, and a pizza van lunch! Every day there was something new. It definitely helped settle any initial fears I had and it helped me to meet more of the team than I would have without the pizza queue or swapping coffee cup colours!
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
I would just do it - the team here are so lovely and supportive that as long as you want to and have the drive to learn something that may be completely new (I had no idea what a paraplanner was before I started working here), the team will get you there. Whether it be the daftest of questions that all new starters ask or its exam help to get you over the line everyone has time for you.
meet ellie.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
24
what subject did you graduate in?
Fine Art
what is your current job title?
Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
I think probably getting my Diploma was a real standout moment. With no prior knowledge or experience of the industry, it was the culmination of lots of hard work and a reflection of what’s possible.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
The vast majority of us here had no financial services experience when we started out, but that won’t hold you back if you’ve got the right attitude and are willing to learn and work hard, it’s amazing how much you can achieve and develop in a short space of time.
meet graham
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
24
what subject did you graduate in?
Computer Science with Web Development
what is your current job title?
Web Developer
what's been your most memorable moment?
Launching our new tech Dextera to our clients.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Just be yourself when getting to know the team!
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?
Technical Specialist
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 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?
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 jonathan.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
36
what subject did you graduate in?
Psychology
what is your current job title?
Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
The team get togethers have been pretty memorable, which have included lots of activities and getting to know the wider team.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Personal finance has an image of being stuffy and boring, but Verve is far from being that. If you’re considering a challenging and rewarding career in personal finance, the Verve Group is the perfect environment to pursue one, and the Grad Scheme will give you the opportunity to build your skills and knowledge up from scratch.
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?
Senior 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 michael
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
21
what subject did you graduate in?
History
what is your current job title?
Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
I've probably forgotten something huge, but the other week Cathi gave me some personalised engrave cutlery which was pretty neat.
what advice would you give to someone considering applying for the grad scheme?
Just relax, enjoy the Grad day and try to keep calm!
meet rachael.
how old were you when you joined the grad scheme?
22
what subject did you graduate in?
Accounting & Finance
what is your current job title?
Senior Paraplanner
what's been your most memorable moment?
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!
