My time at College was a tricky time, with the outbreak of Covid six months into my first year resulting in most of my studies moving online. Despite this, Reigate taught me a lot about the career path I wanted to go down next: the support that was available gave me clarity on how to pursue opportunities through the apprenticeship route. I am also thankful for the support my teachers gave me throughout my time at College, particularly my Psychology teacher, Jacqui.

After College, I began working at Fidelity International as an apprentice in the Operations department. During my two-year apprenticeship, I studied towards an industry-recognised exam and an overall Level 3 qualification. After this programme, I moved into the Resolutions team, where I handled complaints for a wide range of personal investing customers.

Towards the end of 2024, I decided to take some time out to travel to southeast Asia and Australia. Returning to the UK in February 2025, I was fortunate enough to secure a contract role back at Fidelity, this time based in another team within Operations.

After six months of contract work, I successfully applied for a new, permanent role in the Early Careers Recruitment Team for the whole of continental Europe. My favourite thing about my new position is being able to help young people who are at the beginning of their career find a role that will allow them to develop, and then exceed, their potential.

Although I didn’t really know what it was that I wanted to ‘do’ when I was at College, I did realise that I would be better suited to an apprenticeship than going to university. I think my journey thus far shows that it’s okay to not know exactly what it is that you want to do, and that gaining experience across a range of departments in an organisation that respects you as an employee is invaluable, both personally and professionally.

Dan Foard
Reigate College: 2019-2021
Higher education: Level 3 Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship with the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education while working at Fidelity International
Currently: Early Careers Recruitment Coordinator (Europe), Fidelity International