Spring Week Review

This was a 3 day programme, of which Fidelity ran two different week, with around 45 participants each week. The first day focused mainly on giving an introduction to Fidelity International, as well as looking at their Equity Research division. The second day focused more on Multi-Asset investments, while HR also lead a session on Strengths-based applications, and the third day consisted of exploring the Fixed Income division. Each day we also had to present a case study based on each of the business areas we were looking at on that day. Finally, we had two networking sessions throughout the three days, as well as a Graduate Panel, an introduction to Workplace and Personal Financial Health (WPFH), Sustainable investing, CSR, D&I and Mental health in the workplace.

The programme firstly gave me a really in depth understanding of investment management and the different business areas at Fidelity International, especially Multi-Asset investments, Equity Research and Fixed Income. In terms of deeper skills, the Strengths-based application workshop gave me a real insight into the thought process of recruiters and equipped me with valuable interviews techniques. Meanwhile, the three case study presentations we had, ensured that I developed significant presentation and communication skills, as well as forcing me to collate, digest and form an opinion on a lot of information very quickly.

The specific focus on a different business area on each day of the programme gave an incredibly valuable and in depth look at each of their company's core areas. Having had a presentation from professionals within the business segment earlier on in the day, where they were incredibly open and honest, ready to answer any questions that we had, and then followed by the case study, provided a fantastic opportunity to not only gain an abstract, conceptual view of the role, but also to actually put some skills into practice and gain an understanding of what work in that segment would look like on a day-to-day basis.

The company culture generally seemed good. There was a lot of emphasis about the attraction of working at Fidelity was about the people that worked there. Most employees were open and honest about D&I not being exactly where it should be at the moment, but very enthusiastic about the future as well as the various networks and D&I initiatives that the firm are leading. Hearing from the CSR team, it was great to see that Fidelity also value investing in the societies and charities around them.

I really enjoyed the insight. The presentations were hugely informative and the opportunity to work with others on the programme, during the case studies, was enjoyable. Due to this in particular, it was nice to be able to meet and interact with others on the programme and get to know them better. Something that I particularly valued was that there were regular breaks and long lunches, which meant that we were able to get out, stretch our legs and join the next sessions appropriately refreshed, thus making it more enjoyable and engaging.

Yes

During the Application workshop, it was made clear that CVs aren't hugely instrumental in getting through the application process, so don't worry if all your experience isn't massively relevant. On the other hand, prepare for the tests, as it was evident that Fidelity are beginning to place more emphasis on these, with a special mention to SJTs. For the Video interviews, prepare by considering what a role in investment management would look like on a day-to-day basis, as well as how your skills would relate to such a role.