Loved my Degree, Love my Job

Loved my Degree, Love my Job Simon Brooker is Head of Loans at giffgaff money. He graduated from Exeter with a BA in History and Politics. He talked to us about how his time at Exeter has influenced his career. How was your university experience at Exeter? The university experience was fantastic, both from a social and academic perspective. Being part of a campus-based university in a small city meant that you got to know a range of people, some of whom became great friends. Simon Brooker What did you study at university and what impact did it have on your career path? I studied a BA Combined Honours degree in History and Politics, which of course is a natural precursor to any career in financial services! During my time at university, I didnt really know where my career would lead, but I’ve found that my degree gave me the ability to digest and critique information and structure rational arguments based on that information so it has served me very well. How did your experience at Exeter shape your career and you as a person? It definitely made me a more confident person, with greater belief in my own abilities. It also shaped my way of thinking as well as presenting structured points of view. Did you take part in any extracurricular activities or societies whilst at university? If so, did you learn any valuable skills from them? I played rugby for the three years with University of Exeter Rugby Club, so I gained all the teamwork and comradery experience that university sports clubs help develop. Believe in your own abilities and keep your mind open to new and sometimes scary but exciting opportunities. Did you undertake any work experience before starting your career? If so, what was it and has it benefitted you in your career? Nothing notable apart from the usual work to earn money while studying. What was more beneficial was that I worked while travelling, so arriving in different countries and finding work opened me up to a number of contrasting experiences. Going through the 2008 financial crisis was certainly challenging but I managed to develop the skills and ability needed to move forward in my career. How did you get into your current role? After travelling and living in Australia I got a job with Legal General Bank in my home city of Cardiff, this was my first introduction to financial services. From then I’ve worked in a range of roles, primarily in the lending and insurance industry, in both operational and development roles. Recently I have focussed in start-up enterprises, looking at ways to broaden the depth of lending to individuals and businesses as well as supporting the growth of brands into financial services. I’ve found that my degree gave me the ability to digest and critique information and structure rational arguments. What are your main responsibilities? Product pricing, credit risk, managing third-party relationships, and compliance, along with the common day-to-day operations of working in an office. What is the most challenging part of your current role? Dealing with multiple challenges of building a brand, day-to-day trading and developing long-term strategies. There can be conflicts between these goals at times and balancing them can give rise to several challenges, both big and small. What advice would you give current Exeter students, whether it be career advice or life advice? Dont get too stressed about your career when you’re at university. It’s easy to get caught up in the stories of friends and acquaintances getting fantastic jobs and careers; invariably you will find your own way. Believe in your own abilities and keep your mind open to new and sometimes scary but exciting opportunities. What was the best part about being at Exeter university? The community feel to the university, knowing lots of people around campus, developing life-long friendships, going to Timepiece after a good rugby win, and the Lemmy on a Saturday night!