Success with the T. Rowe Price Apprenticeship scheme

The T. Rowe Price Apprenticeship Scheme, which ELBA supports by helping to find local people that would benefit from taking part, provides work experience in the financial services industry. Apprentices are given the opportunity to learn about investment management and how T. Rowe Price helps their global client base to achieve their investment goals.

One of the first people we helped onto the scheme was Syed Hussain. Over the past 4 years, Syed has seen permanent employment with T.Rowe Price, promotion, travel and even a chance to have support into further education. Read more about his journey below:

Why did you choose to apply for an apprenticeship at T. Rowe Price?
I applied for an apprenticeship at T. Rowe Price because I didn’t feel as though university was the right path for me and didn’t think it was as effective as people (teachers, parents, older siblings/relatives) told me whilst I was completing education. Many people I knew who went to university were struggling to find jobs in their chosen field because it was so competitive and employers wanted them to have experience. Also many of them had a large university debt hanging over them, which wasn’t appealing to me. I wanted to do an apprenticeship at T. Rowe Price because I knew I wanted to learn more about the financial services industry; that was my passion! Furthermore, I knew I learn better through experience rather than just sitting in a classroom.

Where has this role taken you?
My Apprentice experience took me to multiple departments across the firm, enabled me to meet loads of new people and I really learnt a lot about the firm and how we operate. As a result of that I was able to secure a job in the Global Client Investment Reporting team as a Presentation Specialist, where I worked with several departments, both Investment Staff and Relationship Managers (Sales Team). It was a great way to strengthen my networking skills and grow my network and really help make a difference through my work. I did that role for almost 3 years. My network and experience has allowed me to pursue other opportunities, and I now work as a Consultant Database Analyst part of the RFP Group, working closely with Consultant Relationship Managers and other lines of business to ensure all our Product information is available for use externally and deal with external quires regarding product information and data.

What was the hardest part of the application process? And your favourite part?
The hardest part of the application process was being scared before I even applied, feeling that I would not be good enough and scared of failing because I knew very little about how the industry worked. I got over this by telling myself that I had nothing to lose and would give the application my best shot.

My favourite part was the first round of interviews and assessment. I could be myself and show that I am not defined by my qualifications only. The assessment consisted of a group exercise while being observed by assessors.

I was nervous but soon realised that the assessors were understanding and knew I didn’t know everything but encouraged me to show my passion to learn and find out more about the business.

What was the toughest question you faced at interview?
The toughest questions I faced was a quick-fire round of questions where the interviewers picked out things from my CV, experience, interest and general knowledge. They asked me what was happening in certain parts of the world and because I keep up with current affairs I could give a quick explanation.

What was your biggest achievement during your apprenticeship?
My biggest achievements during the apprenticeship program was passing the Investment Operation Certificate (IOC) which is an industry qualification. It was also being able to build my network with associates from many different departments in our London office.  My goal was to know at least one person from each team and learn about what they do, how they do it and what impact they have to help me understand more about the business.

What are you doing now as a result of this opportunity?
After my apprenticeship, and working for about a year as a Presentation Specialist, I decided to develop myself further. I knew I had my feet firmly set in getting experience, but I knew to continue to be successful in the industry and continue to help make a difference I needed to carry on learning and building my knowledge. So, I decided to go to university and get my undergraduate degree in BSc Accounting with Finance at Birkbeck College, University of London. I am halfway through a 4 year course and attend university two nights a week after work.

What three top tips would you give to applicants looking to follow in your footsteps?
My three top tips are…
1. Never doubt yourself and your capabilities to learn new things, you are as great as you want to be. If you are not learning, you are not growing.
2. Be confident, but not arrogant. There is a fine line between the two.
3. Be patient and determined. You will not know or understand everything on the first day or first six months but you will eventually, if you never give up! Success is a result of failing, learning why and trying again and again.

We are currently recruiting for four apprenticeship roles for this year in: Compliance, Client Operations, Facilities and Software Development for a 13-month scheme which offers you a chance to learn, develop and challenge yourself.

If you would like to secure an apprenticeship role at this investment management firm, please complete your application by uploading your CV along with a covering letter on why you feel you’re the right person for one of these roles. Come October, you might have just secured yourself a life changing position in one of the UK’s leading financial service providers.

Apply for an apprenticeship with T. Rowe Price now!