Case studies: Multinational Corporates graduate trainee: Maren Mende

Originally from Germany, Maren spent her summers gaining work experience in various industries in both Germany and the UK. She was drawn to business on an international scale. During her final year at the University of St Andrews, she applied for several graduate schemes. After graduating with a BSc in Biology with French in 2011, she's now working for Barclays Corporate in London.

Every day, I support the Multinational Corporate Chief Operational Office (COO) in its global communications and strategy work by, for example, organising global calls, sourcing their content and following up action points.

The majority of my day is usually spent working in the London-based Africa team within the Multinational Corporates business. My role entails maintaining our database of information regarding client relationships on the African continent. I communicate with all our markets to source further information on relationships and relationship potential, bridging the gap between the managers in Africa and the Global Relationship directors throughout the world. I prepare the material needed ahead of client meetings and am also heavily involved in the management and running of both internal and client-facing Africa events.

As I have gained experience and understanding of the systems, processes and strategies, I have been able to take on further responsibilities and work more independently on projects. I initially worked on putting information that was given to me into presentations and spreadsheets. Now, I identify needs, source information and connect the relevant people to communicate clients’ needs and maximise efficiency in finding and implementing solutions to fit those needs.

Such an increase in responsibility has fuelled my career ambitions, particularly with regard to becoming more influential in areas, such as the African business, which are still developing and expanding substantially. Having gained a business overview, I hope to take this experience and transfer into a more client-facing role.

The most enjoyable parts of my job are the daily communication and interaction with people across all levels and locations. Challenges of the job can be tight deadlines, expected from several fronts at the same time, without compromise on attention to detail.

There is little routine in corporate banking, which makes every working day exciting. The pressure and expectation is something that will further individual development and lay the foundations for a career in any industry and any level.

I believe the key to a successful start in finance after graduating from university is being honest with yourself. If you can’t work long hours, to tight deadlines and under pressure, then finance is not the right career. If you thrive under these conditions and have a passion for business, then an early start to job applications is key. You are likely to send several applications, many of which will be unsuccessful. I would not be on the Barclays Corporate graduate scheme today if I had waited with my application until I had graduated.

Secondly, you must gain work experience. In a job for which a degree is mainly a formality and your subject of study irrelevant, you must show that you are suited and capable through previous internships and/or work experience.

And finally, when you apply, make sure you practise for the online maths tests, which are part of almost all financial services job applications. The questions are straightforward, but unless you know what to expect, you will struggle to complete them in the short time provided.