How did you hear about Sucden?
I was contacted by a graduate recruitment agency that told me Sucden had reviewed my CV and were keen for me to come into their offices in London Bridge for an initial screening interview.

What attracted you to apply for the Graduate Recruitment Programme?
After graduating from university, I felt the need to put in to practice the skills that I had acquired during my time at university. I also believe that my degree in French and Business Management stands me in good stead for the opportunities afforded by Sucden as a leading futures and commodity broker.

What was the structure of the interviews and how many did you have to attend before you were finally selected?
After the initial screening, where I was interviewed by both the Finance Director and Human Resources Manager, I was asked to attend a second interview a couple of weeks later. On this occasion, I was interviewed first by the Managing Director and then the Trading Manager. Soon after, as I had made it clear in the first interview that I spoke French, one of our French traders proceeded to conduct the interview in her mother tongue.

Why Sucden?
There were several factors that influenced me in the decision making process:

• Having graduated with a degree in French and Business Management, I was keen to make the most of my languages. The traders are continually seeking to add value to their clients and to the company through their use of languages. The ability to act as a broker between different clients in various parts of the world seemed mentally stimulating.
• Meeting with the Managing Director and other people from the firm gave me the assurance that Sucden is a culturally diverse, well-rounded and balanced organisation. Most importantly, it was a place I knew that I would be able to make a difference. There was a keen emphasis on self improvement through training and education. The opportunity to work for a company that is continuously seeking to grow and appeal to a global market was too good to pass up.

What are the qualities needed to be successful in this field?
Due to the very nature of the business, the necessary skills and attributes vary according to the type of work one does. Working as a trader means that there is great emphasis on an individual's ability to make split-second decisions. This instinctive understanding of the complex situations that may arise and the skill in managing an incessant flow of information is critical.  The ability to converse with clients in their mother tongue will naturally only serve as an asset in adding value. If you are patient, methodical and hard working as a graduate trainee, you will reap the rewards. If you're unsure about something, always ask!

What sort of career development / progression is there in this company?
Sucden is a growing company and offers substantial opportunities for those who know how to seize them. Where graduates end up working, will reflect their interests and an assessment of how well they have performed.

What is the most interesting part of the programme?
I was fortunate to arrive at a time when Sucden was going through a website restructure. During my time spent in Marketing, I was responsible for ensuring the content delivery was both relevant and accurate. Liaising with the relevant desk heads and departments, coordinating with our partner responsible for the development of the site and contributing to meetings was an enriching experience. I can feel a definite sense of pride in knowing that I played a part in the whole project.

What was the most challenging part of the programme?
Whether you are carrying out a financial analysis on behalf of the credit department or meeting deadlines, there is always something keeping you stimulated. Sucden is somewhere you can make your mark. The challenge comes in knowing how to best benefit from the programme. Those who are proactive, inquisitive and take a genuine interest in the company are more likely to realise their potential. Graduates are encouraged to participate on projects and to really have a chance to become a part of the organisation.

What would you say are the most important skills and knowledge that you have acquired during the programme?
The experiences that one goes through during the programme lays the foundation for a more rounded appreciation of the business. It provides a great opportunity to get exposure to all parts of the business as graduates are working in dynamic environments with talented individuals. Working in teams, the scope and variety of the work as well as assuming responsibility are all elements that can only serve to improve you as a person and your understanding of the business environment.

Will I have to sit any exams?
Graduates are required to sit two exams to gain their certificate in Derivatives: a Certificate in Derivatives and the Securities Institute Regulatory Paper. This is normally studied for outside of office hours. Once you feel you have revised the study books, you are encouraged to attend a training course which normally lasts three days, which should prepare you for the exam. There is a degree of flexibility as regards to when you can take them, while the level of support from Sucden is constant.