12 November 2015

Having a chance to chat to some Edinburgh Alumni currently on graduate programmes was a great opportunity to learn more about the experiences they have had and what a typical day looks like for them.

During reading week the Student Development Team and MSc students from various programmes took the short walk from the Business School to Standard Life’s headquarters on Lothian road, to learn more about the Fortune Global 500 specialists in asset management and long-term savings.

We were met by Jacquie McKenzie, the Group Talent & Organisational Development Consultant who took us through the programme for the day, which included:

  • An introduction to Standard Life from Financial Performance Accountant, Neil Graham
  • A sustainability presentation from Environmental Consultant, James Hatfield
  • An overview of the Graduate Programmes and Summer Internships by Jacquie
  • An informal chat with their Edinburgh Alumni who are currently on Standard Life Graduate Programmes or have gone through the process
  • A tour of their offices

Neil took us through a very comprehensive overview of the products and services that the group offers worldwide through Standard Life, Standard Life Investments, Standard Life Wealth and joint venture brands. We learnt that the group stood out for being a top performer in regards to investment performance and that they’ve recently been concentrating on Standard Life Savings- targeted to individuals to provide them with an easily understandable way to invest their money and manage their savings.

We then heard from James about how Standard Life has been tackling sustainability and what it means to them. In order to advance their ambitions, lead innovation and improvement and contribute to society’s progress, Standard Life’s sustainability priorities are related to their investments, savings, role as an employer, and being a responsible business. It was very interesting to learn that they are part of the Living Wage Friendly Funder Scheme to support charities by funding posts. In regards to their environmental sustainability we learnt about what Standard Life has achieved over the last few years, including reducing their paper use by 14%, holding 2 events a year to educate employees on reducing their own environmental impact and having a future commitment to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2020.

Jacquie followed by taking us through the career opportunities offered by Standard Life. It was great to hear what they are looking for in a graduate and get some tips on their application processes. Our table had the chance to talk to Catriona Inness, who is currently in her second year of the Business Change and Technology Programme.

The day ended with Catriona and other Edinburgh Alumni giving us a tour around the building. It was great to see some little perks- great views of Edinburgh Castle and a ping-pong table (where they once held a competition with Andy Murray, who they partner with).

A career at Standard Life offers exposure to all parts of the business, development opportunities and strong support network and it definitely seemed to be illustrated in the open plan design of their offices and breakout areas.

Maddy Hudson, MSc Management