Graduate Case Studies - Stephen John Ratcliffe - Graduate Trainee - Standard Life
Name: Stephen John Ratcliffe
Age: 26 years
Degree and university: University of Edinburgh - Business Studies MA (Hons)
Work title: Graduate Trainee, sales and marketing for Standard Life Investments' Distribution & Client Services (D&CS).
What do you actually do? I circulate around the D&CS area every six months. Currently I am a Trainee Project Manager, working in the company's Change Dept. In this role I am working on my own project, which is to analyse a certain area of the business, present the results, investigate and propose solutions, and finally to plan the implementation of the solution. It is an excellent opportunity - I have a lot of responsibility and get to liaise with many areas of the business.
Prior to this role, I have also been a Market Research Analyst and a Business Development Analyst, and I am soon to become a Trainee Product Manager. The aim of the programme is to provide us with a strong all-round knowledge of the D&CS business area, forming solid foundations for us to progress our career at the end of the programme.
Why did you decide to go into the financial sector? The financial sector had not always appealed to me, but saying that, I had no set preferences to any industry. I think it was more the company than the actual industry that made me enter the financial sector. Standard Life Investments is a top investment house with international operations, and it has an excellent reputation and is known to invest considerably in its employees' development and wellbeing. The graduate programme seemed like a superb opportunity so I applied immediately.
Would you undertake further study to progress your career? Yes. My degree was excellent in opening doors, but unfortunately I believe it only gets you so far these days. I am currently working on a couple of investment qualifications, which will help progress my career in the short-term. In the long-term, I hope to achieve an MBA and perhaps further investment qualifications.
What do you most like about what you do and are there any downsides? There are many ups to being part of the graduate programme at Standard Life Investments, but what I like most is that the fact that we are placed into actual roles as opposed to just shadowing fellow colleagues. In every placement, we are expected to add value and take on considerable responsibility. It makes you feel that you are a valued member of the team and are contributing to the success of the company.
The only downside I can think of is that as soon as you settle into your role you are moved onto the next placement. However, when you consider the overall scope and benefits of the graduate programme it is a small price to pay... Moreover, it means that you rarely become uninterested in what you are doing and the days fly by!
What skills do you need to succeed? The ability to listen and learn from those around you is essential. Although everyone is there to help and there is a comprehensive training programme, the motivation to work on your own initiative is also key. Generally, a good down-to-earth, hard working attitude will put you in good stead in whatever placement you are in.
What advice would you give other graduates coming into this sector?
Do your research into the industry and company, but most importantly be honest and be yourself in the interview stages.
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| AXA UK | With 210,000 employees and distributors worldwide and a presence i... | more |
| PricewaterhouseCoopers | PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) is the one firm for all talented ... | more |
| Bank of England | Few organisations play a more influential role in the UK’s e... | more |
| Mountbatten Institute | The Mountbatten Institute is a not-for-profit organization that ad... | more |
| VT Group | VT Group has been operating a successful graduate scheme since 200... | more |
| Ernst & Young | Ernst & Young is 135,000 people, in 700 locations, working with ou... | more |
| Scottish Investment Operations | SIO is a professional body representing major employers in the Sco... | more |
| eFinancialCareers | The interactive Student Centre on eFinancialCareers.com is for stu... | more |
| Nationwide | Nationwide is the world’s largest building society with more... | more |
| Bank of America | Bank of America serves clients in 175 countries and has relationsh... | more |
Latest Graduate Jobs
| Title | Organisation | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
| Just graduated? Looking for the best way into banking and fi... | Quartic Training | 31 Jan 2010 |
Graduate Case Studies
|
Richard Cartwright - Audit Assistant - Audit Middle MarketsI have worked at KPMG for over three years and have experience in a variety of roles within the audit function including UK Companies Act, Integrated US audits, Value for Money public sector audits, audit compliance and administration... ... more |
|
Chris Greggory - Audit Associate - Leeds office of Grant ThorntonI chose Grant Thornton because of the investment they make into the graduate scheme in terms of the training... ... more |
|
James Long - Analyst, Transaction Advisory Services - Ernst & Young LLPI work within the restructuring department at Ernst & Young. My day-to-day responsibilities include responding to correspondence from creditors, data analysis, and statutory... ... more |
|
Phil Scott - Deputy Treasurer - Vodafone Group Services LtdAfter initially leaving University and focusing on completing my accounting qualification I soon felt I wanted a more commercial role with a scope to both add value to the business and become involved in a wide variety of projects and transactions. ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
Your guide to who has jobs, who wants interns and who needs trainees.... more |
|
According to a new report from High Fliers Research graduate vacancies... more |
|
Think Before You Click - The Negative Side of Facebook The next time you’re about to upload pictures of your birthday party/night... more |
|
Nailing That Position- Top Tips for Getting Picked For Graduate Training Schemes If you’re currently stressing over applying for and going for interview... more |
Comments