Uptree

In year 13 Richard decided to start applying for apprenticeships, he came across a TikTok of an influencer talking about work experience events with Uptree.

“In the summer holiday I was looking for work experience and I came across a TikTok of an influencer who said they had attended an investment banking work experience event at Credit Suisse for sixth formers and I thought that was cool so I signed up. That's how I first found out about Uptree and I signed up for my first event. That event happened in October, my friends and I applied but because it was very competitive (30 spaces) I got in but unfortunately my friends didn't, so I went by myself.

It was really nice as I only ever went to Canary Wharf once or twice before and I’d seen the offices there. Going and seeing the offices, and knowing that I could possibly work here or in finance one day or something around that area really motivated me. Going to Credit Suisse really opened my eyes, seeing everyone there, talking to different employees and seeing what they do was really interesting. So I decided to start applying to apprenticeships.

It was my first event and it was kind of anxiety inducing. I was a bit late as I struggled to get there. When I finally got there everyone was standing in their own groups and it was just me standing by myself. I saw a group of people and inserted myself into the group, I spoke to them and introduced myself. I just tried to be confident. When you go to events by yourself, you need some confidence because you don’t have anyone to fall back on or talk to, so you have to go out of your way to find people to speak to.”

By attending even more events with Uptree’s Employer Partners, Richard learned about different careers in finance, accounting, and the big 4.

“Uptree helped me improve my commercial awareness - improving my knowledge of different industries and businesses. Uptree also helped me with my applications because the Equitix event was an Application Masterclass so I learnt how to create a CV and we went through interview questions which improved my confidence as I was speaking to HR people about how to do an interview. I used the lessons I learnt from that event when I was applying to apprenticeships.”

Richard developed key skills and insights through his involvement with Uptree that helped set him apart from other candidates.

“One thing is communication and confidence, [2 out of 3] Uptree events I went to by myself. Speaking to random strangers helped me so much as there was no one I knew when starting out at KPMG so it helped me make friends easier as I could use that confidence from interacting with people in a room that I didn't know. It helped me with my application knowledge: what a good CV is, interviews and how to conduct myself in an interview. It was my first proper introduction into making applications in the corporate world.“

He feels KPMG is one of the best places due to the culture and cooperation in the firm, his advice to other employers is to have patience with apprentices.

“When working with apprentices, have patience. I kept on asking so many questions... Keep in mind that they are very inexperienced, usually have just finished sixth form/college and have no idea what they are doing. Be patient, listen to them, reach out to them. Have an active management process to really ensure that they know what they are doing. Have a welcoming culture, integrate them into the team, make them feel part of the team. My department really made me feel part of the team from day 1. I went to Brighton with them as an end of business season celebration and you get to see them as friends more than just work colleagues. Just make them part of the team, feel welcomed, have patience, be kind, don't speak to them in a way that makes them feel bad if they make mistakes. Have a culture where it is okay to make mistakes and support them to fix it.”

Richard advises young people in a similar position to persevere, keep going and never give up! He also advises them to go to Uptree’s events and network with people.

“Attend events like Uptree’s events, interact with people, build networks of people with similar interests because you can leverage off them - you don’t always have to do everything by yourself. People can be a great asset so have a group/team of people you can work with to achieve that shared goal. Have a team, never give up and be proactive with opportunities. For example if you are at the start of year 13 and you want to apply to apprenticeships, make lists of where you want to apply, do some research, see what companies want in apprentices, speak to careers advisers, watch youtube videos, watch apprenticeship TikTok influencers, go on linkedin. Be very proactive.”