Name: Rhys Phillips
Degree: BSc Economics & Politics, University of Bath
I was someone who only ever had a vague idea of what I wanted to do after university. I came across the FSA at a "City" careers event, and I liked the idea of a broad graduate programme with strong training, as well as opportunities to see the sector from a unique angle. An application and interview later, and the rest, as they say...
My first rotation was in the retail intermediaries sector team, before moving on to supervise Wholesale Insurance firms. Despite being new to the FSA I was given real responsibility and autonomy - as well as the training and support I needed.
In 2007, I joined a team supervising a large retail banking group. I specialised in liquidity and treasury management which was a challenging role, especially given market events. I acquired more responsibility over time and was heavily involved in the Tripartite Authorities' work on the banking sector.
In late 2008, I was seconded to HM Treasury as an aide to a junior Minister. My FSA experience allowed me to add value on areas such as the Budget and the passage of the Banking Act. I also worked on fascinating policies that were relevant and useful to the FSA.
Having completed the Graduate Development Programme, I've been offered a team leader role which involves supervising a high-street mortgage bank. This is a bigger post than I've previously held. But after four years at the FSA, I'm confident that I can succeed. Leaving the Graduate scheme does not mean the opportunities for training stop - and I have all the support I need to take my career to the next level.