I Got Hired: Owen

Posted on: 26 November 2025 by Richard Finch in Class of 2024

After graduating with a BSc Computer Science in 2024 Owen now works at The Very Group as a Finance Systems Analyst.

How did you hear about your role?

I first heard about the role through LinkedIn. What drew me to follow through with the interview process was the nature of the role, which was focused on the application of financial systems, which I found genuinely interesting. Although my academic background wasn’t heavily finance focused, I saw a strong alignment between the role’s requirements and my existing skill set. At the same time, I was excited by the opportunity to broaden my knowledge and gain hands-on experience with the financial processes at The Very Group.

How did you get where you are now?

At the start of 2025, I made a conscious decision to focus more on my LinkedIn presence, viewing it as a valuable tool to increase visibility and connect with potential recruiters, rather than relying solely on job applications. After sharing my dissertation in a post and becoming more active on the platform, a recruiter from The Very Group reached out to arrange an interview. I progressed through the various stages of the process and was ultimately offered a role that aligned perfectly with what I had been looking for.

A major turning point for me was a conversation with a family friend who had completed the same degree as me, albeit with lower grades, yet was in a successful position working for some of the biggest companies in network security and traveling the world for conferences and work. Their confidence in me, inspired me to believe in myself, take control of my career, and proactively put myself out there. This encouragement gave me the motivation and belief that I could create my own opportunities by consistently putting in the effort and showcasing my work.

Your favourite experience as part of your current role?

My favourite things so far has been the day to day learning and experience that comes with working in a corporate environment. Being part of a fast-paced, collaborative setting has exposed me to real world challenges and practical problem solving that you simply can’t replicate in a classroom. Every day brings something new, whether it’s learning from colleagues, adapting to different ways of working, or gaining insight into how large organisations operate.

The most challenging part of your graduate journey?

The most challenging part of the process was definitely the application phase after graduating. The waiting period after submitting applications, combined with the uncertainty of when I’d hear back was mentally exhausting at times. It took a lot of patience to stay motivated and keep putting myself out there. On top of that, not having any directly relevant work experience made it harder to feel confident. But by actively putting myself forward and being visible in other ways, I was able to make more of an impact and increase my chances with potential opportunities.

What's your #1 piece of advice for future grads?

My one piece of advice would be to carry forward the skills you’ve developed through your experiences and continue building on them. Don’t be afraid to showcase what you’re working on whether it’s through LinkedIn, networking events, or informal conversations. Sharing your journey and putting yourself out there can open doors you didn’t even know existed. It’s also important to focus on one or two key skills rather than trying to master an entire field at once.

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