I was selected to take part in the Through the Looking Glass programme in 2013. I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do in the future but following the amazing success stories I heard, the visits to an array of fantastic firms, and networking with such inspiring people, truly made my vision of the future a whole lot clearer. It inspired me to make decisions that would benefit where I see myself in the coming years and strengthened my drive for a career in finance.

I chose to study BSc Economics and was delighted to receive an offer from my first-choice university, Sussex. I studied and was thoroughly enjoying Economics in sixth form, and meeting the Chief Economist at Lloyds – Trevor Williams inspired me to focus on my passion for Economics at degree level whilst taking elective modules in finance at university. The programme also motivated me to find more opportunities, which included shadowing an Economist at the Greater London Authority.

My urge to start working in the city and the desire to feel like I was contributing to a firm’s growth, drove me to apply for a 12-month sandwich placement after completing my second year of my degree. I have only recently started but I’m working in a big finance team and am learning so much every day.

I believe the experience on the Through the Looking Glass programme has helped me secure my place in higher education and in the application for my placement. I look forward to returning to Brighton and finishing my degree and am currently considering accountancy qualifications. I want to travel, help save the planet and meet many more inspiring people to push myself further. TTLG programme helped me aspire to become someone bigger and I hope many more students can benefit from it as much as I did!