Tell us about your journey since graduating from LSE
Upon graduating LSE I joined J.P. Morgan on their Payments Graduate Program, and as of two years ago I am a Product Manager looking after their Liquidity Products. Outside of my day to day job, I am involved in all things social mobility: shaping the agenda at my workplace, mentoring students, and engaging students in my local community.
If you could tell your younger student self one piece of wisdom, what would it be and why?
To get stuck in more despite the fear of making mistakes! I wish when I was younger I would try more things and not worry about being bad at them. Whether this was new areas of academic study or hobbies, the first time we do something will always be bad, but showing up and being consistent will ensure we get better.
I actually wrote 27 aphorisms upon graduation that I wish I knew upon starting LSE (Three years of LSE distilled into 27 Aphorisms).
How has studying in the Department of Government helped you since graduation?
The courses enabled me to hone my ability to analyse/explain large subjects succinctly without losing the nuances of the subject. In addition, the department also taught me how to write essays – this is a skill I use to this day and is applicable in professional life. I still reflect on the seminar Professor Schonhardt-Bailey gave in my first year.
What’s the one piece of career guidance that has most impacted you?
To seek opportunities that enable growth and continuous learning. In the early career stage that is the top priority. Other factors such as title, grade, compensation will naturally follow.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
A professional highlight was being given the opportunity to run my Product independent in the region, a significant jump in responsibility and the type of challenge which left me energised.
A personal highlight was being able to mentor a student for the past year through my employer’s partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation. Through their hard work and the mentoring, the student received an offer from LSE and started this September. It felt very full circle.
What is your fondest memory from LSE?
Simon Hix’s GV101 lectures, they really fuelled my love of Political Science.