Sophie

The SMF continues to support me through my new chapter at JPMorgan.

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Having moved to North East England at a young age and progressing through the regional school system, I quickly came to realise that opportunities for people from my background were limited, especially in the finance and economics sectors. On the rare occasion I was able to find insights, it was disheartening to see the visible difference between the exposure I had received to the industry and that of other people my age. When my school briefly mentioned the SMF, I was interested to see there was an opportunity to level the playing field with those more traditional finance candidates.

I hadn’t expected the level of support, the push for inclusion, or the industry exposure that was provided by the SMF and dedicated JPMorgan employees. Three weeks of placement across both the commercial and investment bank provided me with skills and a professional network that I could not have gained otherwise, and which still serves me well as I have left mandatory education.

Before my work experience with JPMC, I was battling with the idea of going to university to study in unaffordable environment. Degree apprenticeships were not something I had considered due to the stigma they carry and the prestige of many of the firms offering them. It wasn’t until the Aspiring Professionals Programme were I realised the skills I had been practicing would make me a good candidate, and decided to apply despite the fear I would fail against more well-connected candidates.

In September 2025, I started my role in Security Service Operations as a full time Degree Apprentice, working in the ACU Digital and Change team while studying towards an Applied Finance degree. The SMF continues to support me through my new chapter at JPMorgan, offering a network of both young and experienced professionals that are happy to support me through my career. The professional support I received from the charity were integral in jumpstarting my career, and I am looking forward to working more in a firm that explores talent from all backgrounds.

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