Alex Holbrook talks to us about his experience of the Walker Crips Trainee Financial Planner Internship, gaining exposure to the role and acquiring the skills and knowledge to further his understanding of the job.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role.

Hi, my name is Alex and I’m 20 years old and I’m from Derbyshire. I’m currently working for Walker Crips as a Trainee Financial Planner intern in the York office.

What made you decide to join the firm?

When I initially started my placement search I wasn’t completely certain on what I wanted out of my placement year. When I found out about Walker Crips I was initially attracted to the opportunity for employee and career development that the company offers. Along with this, upon researching what financial planning was I found this tied in closely with my degree in economics and general interests.

What were the most important factors for you when looking for a role after completing your studies?

When searching for an internship several factors dictated my decision making process. Most crucially was an interest in the industry and a potential for real hands-on experience. This meant I sought opportunities that not only complimented my academic pursuits but also provided practical experience relevant to my potential future career.

Mentorship was another factor I considered. The prospect of learning from a seasoned professional who could provide insights, advice and constructive feedback was instrumental in my decision-making as that would benefit my personal and professional development.

How do you feel about the internship programme at Walker Crips?

In my opinion, the Walker Crips internship programme is the perfect opportunity for anyone who is looking for experience in the financial sector. It gives you a broad overview of the industry as a whole along with personal mentorship from professionals in the industry providing invaluable information that can then be applied when returning to your studies, which can set you apart from your peers.

How have you found your internship so far? What skills do you hope to develop during your graduate placement?

So far I have found my internship immensely rewarding. Having the opportunity to set up and process different investments based on clients needs and goals has allowed me to understand how and why they are used. This has not only allowed me to increase my technical knowledge in the industry but also improve my own personal financial literacy.

Client meetings are another factor I have found very rewarding. These have provided a diverse learning experience which have helped me improve my interpersonal skills and communication style adapting to unique client needs.

What are your plans after completing your placement?

After I have completed the remainder of my internship with Walker Crips I will have the opportunity to continue with the dedicated adviser trainee program which involves completing the necessary R0 exams required to become a financial adviser.

If I decide I don't want to become an adviser I have no doubt that I will continue working in the financial services industry in some form or another.

‍