Applicant Resources.
Top Tips.

I’m the Talent Attraction Specialist. This means I’m responsible for managing the Early Careers marketing campaign. My role involves designing and delivering on the attraction strategy, planning our approach to the campaign and working with the team to ensure we attract the right candidates.

There have been lots of highlights; however, one stands out. I was responsible for launching our Modern Apprenticeship programme, which provides young people with an alternative route into the firm. This has been really rewarding, as we are shaping the future talent pipeline of the firm. I like being part of a team that’s giving young people opportunities. I’ve also really enjoyed meeting lots of different people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.

Genuine curiosity. We want people who will challenge the status quo, who think about things and question everything. Resilience is also a key skill. We don’t expect you to know everything at the start, and you’ll get things wrong – but it’s how you deal with it that’s important. Collaboration and working together to share ideas are also vital, regardless of your role within the firm.

Be yourself! You’re treated as an individual throughout the whole process because we want to get to know you as a person. Ask lots of questions because finding out if we’re the right fit for you is just as important as us assessing your suitability for Baillie Gifford.

I’m one of the consultants in our Early Careers team. I look after two of our graduate programmes, Business Operations and Accountancy, and our Modern Apprenticeships. With Accountancy, I was involved in launching the new programme in 2019 by looking at ways we could attract students interested in becoming qualified accountants, but not necessarily within one of the Big 4. Within Business Operations, I’ve been involved in re-designing the programme content – creating a more comprehensive training framework and opportunities for our graduate trainees to spend time in our international offices.

Collaboration is so important at Baillie Gifford. You have to be willing to work with others and take on other perspectives no matter your role. Good teamwork is something that we look for in all our candidates, to differing degrees. It sounds like a cliché, but sharing ideas is the key to our success. We need people who are curious – that have a growth mindset and want to develop continually.

There’s a paternalistic approach here, which probably stems from the partnership structure. But, whether it’s the continued career development opportunities or giving back through volunteering days – you always feel supported. The firm is constantly striving to do the right thing, and it makes you proud to work here.

Since returning from my second parental leave in January 2021, the company has been great. They really understand the pressures of balancing work and a young family. I’ve been able to alter my working hours to suit my caring responsibilities, and the firm also offered the services of a dedicated maternity coach. There’s no expectation of long working hours, making it easier for everyone to have a work/life balance.

I’m the Early Careers Consultant for all the Technology Solutions programmes, including the graduate programme and summer placements for the Application Development and Technical Infrastructure. I also look after the Business Operations Summer Placement opportunities. Working with the graduate managers and business stakeholders, I help plan recruitment, organise the recruitment process and establish screening criteria. I’m then involved through the application process and manage the communications with the new graduates – from their initial offer, to joining the firm. 

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 for work or a hobby that you’re really passionate about, even if you don’t think it is relevant to the job. 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.

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 team and the firm.