How did you hear about Sucden?
Through a recruitment agency, who informed me of the opportunity and put me forward to attend a selection interview for the Graduate Training Programme.

What attracted you to apply for the Graduate Training Programme?
I thought the Graduate Training Programme was very well structured. You spend a certain period of time in virtually every major function in the Company, for example Compliance, Credit, Treasury, Back Office and the various front trading desks. I felt this would be an exceptional opportunity to gain an insight into how a leading Financial Brokerage House works, while allowing the flexibility to find the career path that is right for me in this diverse and complex finance sector.

What was the structure of the interviews and how many did you have to attend before you were finally selected?
There were two interviews, the first of which I was interviewed by the Human Resources Manager and the Finance Director. Four weeks later, I was invited to the second and final interview. This time I was interviewed separately by the Managing Director, Trading Manager, Finance Director and a broker.

Why did you decide to join Sucden?
The main reason was because Sucden have such an attractive graduate scheme. Secondly the firm is developing its business in the Far East, which enables me to make the most of my language skills. Finally, from talking to the directors and other employees, I felt that the company was exceedingly professional, yet at the same time has a flexible approach which would make me feel comfortable and develop a successful career in the Company.

What are the qualities needed to be successful in this field?
From what I have observed, the successful brokers in Sucden all have three essential qualities:

• Good listening skills and patience.
• Knowledge of the relevant markets
• Good teamwork and communication skills

What was the most interesting part of the programme?
This is a hard question as I found more than one part of the programme interesting and because they are in different fields, so is difficult to compare.

What was the most challenging part of the programme?
Preparing for the FSA (Financial Services Authority) exams and learning new things every day at work.

What would you say are the most important skills and knowledge that you acquired during the programme?

• Initiative: being proactive in your training with a dedication to learn every day.
• Teamwork and communication skills: don't hesitate to ask questions and remember that listening skills are essential to understand customers' requirements.
• Accuracy and efficiency: the ability to multi task.