Applicant Resources.
Top Tips.

I’m the Early Careers Consultant for the Business Operations graduate and internship programmes. My role involves working closely with the Graduate Manager to create and plan the recruitment process for both programmes. I’m also involved at multiple stages of the recruitment process, and I’ll be the main point of contact for the successful candidate(s) until they join us.

It has to be launching the virtual summer placement programme during the pandemic. I found it really rewarding to still give our interns an opportunity in such uncertain times. From the start of lockdown, we only had a few months to decide if we could deliver an internship, how this would work and what content it would include. We overcame these challenges to successfully deliver a four-week virtual placement packed with structured training. I enjoyed seeing how all the interns grew in confidence, even during this shorter timeframe.

Just be yourself. We want to hear about everything you’ve done whether that’s at University, work, or a hobby that you are really passionate about!

Remember, you’re applying for a training programme, so we’re looking for potential. We don’t expect you to be the finished article and to know everything right now.

And lastly, enjoy the process. It’s as much about you getting to know us as it is us getting to know you!

It’s a great place to learn. Everyone brings something different to the table and, no matter how long you’ve been with the firm, people will always listen and respect what you have to say. Each programme offers the chance to rotate around different teams, so you get a broader perspective of your department and the firm.

I’m an Early Careers Consultant, but I’ve had various roles at Baillie Gifford. I’ve worked here for fifteen years, starting as an Assistant HR Adviser, and then working my way up to HR Business Partner before joining the Early Careers team at the end of 2021. Now, I’m responsible for the Accountancy and Technology Solutions graduate programmes and the Modern Apprenticeship programme. It’s a great role because I really enjoy meeting people throughout the recruitment process, offering them a role, and then seeing them thrive when they join the firm.

The first things are communication and collaboration. These are vital because the graduate trainees rotate around various teams and departments, so working with lots of different people and building strong relationships with colleagues is important. You also need a real thirst for learning. We are not looking for the perfect ready-made employee, but someone who has the willingness and desire to learn continually.

This is a really supportive and varied environment, which offers the opportunity to work with all sorts of interesting people. It’s a place where different perspectives are welcomed and encouraged. Also, learning isn’t limited to our programmes – there’s a huge focus on it throughout the business, from gaining knowledge on the firm and the external environment, to developing a wide range of technical and behavioural skills.

The people! In the 15 years I’ve spent here, I’ve always found my colleagues to be ready to help each other. Everyone is encouraged to ask for support and learn more about the business – which is exactly how I have managed to develop my own career. It’s a really engaging place to work too, because we have people from a wide variety of backgrounds, with a wide variety of interests. There’s room for everyone to be themselves.

I’m the Early Careers Manager, overseeing the strategy and managing the processes for all the programmes we run. I also lead on the Investment Research programme, working with the business stakeholders to plan the recruitment process, then I manage everything from application to offer, until each successful candidate joins the firm.

I love the variety of the job. I get the opportunity to meet lots of different people at our events, talk about their career opportunities and see how they progress through every step of the recruitment process, all the way to receiving an offer. The highlight for me happens every year – when I get to see our new joiners start their journey with us.

Curiosity’s important – we always like to hear your thoughts and ideas, to understand how you might challenge other people’s views. You also need to show the resilience to step into the unknown, adapt and thrive. Finally, I think authenticity is vital: we want to get to know the real you, so it’s important to be genuine.

This is a really supportive and collaborative place to work. People listen to each other and respect different views. On the programme, there are a lot of opportunities to develop yourself, learn new skills and grow in your career. The rotational placements are a big part of that – offering you an additional way to learn as you progress with us.