Anh

The SMF undoubtedly changed my trajectory by giving me continued support over the last seven years.

‍

I’m a current Finance Analyst. I took part in the 2019 Aspiring Professionals Programme, and I graduated from LSE in 2024 with a BSc in Politics and Economics.

I want to start by giving a huge shout-out to SMF, because it genuinely changed the course of my career and university trajectory.

I am originally from the London borough of Hackney, and I attended a school that the Guardian ranked as “the fifth most disadvantaged in England”. Throughout my life, I faced obstacles both at school and at home. Most significantly, being the first person in my family to finish school and being the only English speaker at home. I was also one of very few students to achieve A-Levels and progress to university, and the lack of guidance I experienced at school was replaced by the support I found through SMF. During university, I also struggled with imposter syndrome and having that consistent encouragement made a real difference. The APP programme gave me my first exposure to work experience at JPMorgan, which kick-started my journey with the firm back in 2019. It also gave me tailored university application advice, which supported me as I went on to study at LSE.

The SMF undoubtedly changed my trajectory by giving me continued support over the last seven years. Through SMF, I was matched with mentors at JPMorgan who helped me build my CV and strengthen my applications throughout university. Just as importantly, I was able to build a network at the firm before joining, and that early advice and encouragement only further supported me when I applied, interned in 2023, and ultimately started my career at the firm.

I am immensely grateful to SMF, and I truly would not be where I am today without them.

‍