At Legal & General, we’re passionate about nurturing talent and empowering the next generation of finance professionals.
We recently caught up with Hafsah, one of our Finance Graduate Programme participants, who just completed her first year with us.
Hafsah’s journey is already filled with impressive milestones, from winning an ICAEW award to gaining valuable business exposure through rotations. Here's a glimpse into her experience and what it's like to be a part of the L&G Finance team.
Where have you joined us from and why did you choose a finance graduate scheme?
“I studied Mathematics and King's College London, and at the time I was really interested in pursuing a career in finance.
I knew having an accounting qualification would open up a lot of doors into finance; so, when I began applying for graduate schemes, I mainly went for the roles which offered one of the professional qualifications.
Why did you choose L&G?
“One thing that really stood out to me when I was applying for the Legal & General graduate scheme was that it offered the choice between ACA, CIMA, and ACCA qualifications, whereas many other organisations only offer one.
It was nice to be able to choose my qualification, I picked ACA with The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).”
What was the highlight of your first year in the finance graduate scheme?
“I can't really pick one highlight, so I'll give you two! The first was receiving the Spicer and Pegler prize for achieving the joint highest mark worldwide in my Financial Accounting and Reporting exam.
Another highlight was my first rotation at Legal & General Affordable Homes, which was an amazing experience. I had the chance to collaborate with various teams across the business and work on a wide range of projects, gaining valuable insights and skills.
Overall, I believe the experience and business exposure I gained in my first year has set me up well for future rotations.”
What was the most challenging part of your first year?
“One thing that I found challenging was balancing my studies with work, especially during busier periods.
Despite this, my team were very supportive in making sure I had sufficient time off to study, as well as providing me with the moral support that I needed.”
Is there anything that stands out to you about L&G and your time here so far?
“When I first visited the Coleman Street Office for my assessment centre, I immediately felt that L&G was a place I’d love to work. Everyone was approachable, and I could speak freely without feeling any judgement, which made a big impression on me.
I’ve come to realise how much the people you work with can shape your overall job experience.
One of the things I love about the rotational programme is the opportunity to work in three different areas of the business. It’s been so helpful in allowing me to explore my interests and figure out which field of finance I want to pursue in the future. Each rotation offers valuable insights into the different roles within finance.
So far, my first year in the L&G graduate scheme has been eye-opening, and I’m excited for my next rotation in Group Financial Control!”
Launch your career in finance with L&G’s finance graduate scheme
Hafsah’s first year with Legal & General is just the beginning of what promises to be a rewarding career in finance.
Her story highlights the supportive environment, the wealth of opportunities, and the chance to gain hands-on experience in various areas of the business.
At L&G, we’re committed to providing our graduates with the tools they need to excel, and we’re excited to see what Hafsah will achieve next as she continues to grow with us.
Start your career in finance today with our graduate schemes.
