A FINANCIALLY-SAVVY student has claimed her dream job after joining a specialised graduate programme.

The Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme is offering graduate placement opportunities in areas including underwriting, investment management, product development and accounting alongside a fully-funded Masters degree in Financial Services Management.

Hayley Bateman, 23, from Penrhyndeudraeth, joined the programme to gain hands-on experience in the finance sector while having the opportunity to study for a Masters degree.

As part of the initiative, Hayley’s placements have included underwriting at Atradius, a role within the Capital Accounting team at BBC Finance, and experience within the treasury department at GM Financial where she is currently working.

Hayley said: “A typical day for me will involve checking loan requirements and liaising with banks in the morning and a more analytical role in the afternoon including using the Bloomberg terminal to find average foreign exchange and LIBOR rates for the month.

“The great thing about this scheme is that evenings often mean an opportunity to meet up with the other graduates over a glass of wine which is a great way to finish off a busy day of hard work!

“As a result of this opportunity, I’ve been fortunate to secure a permanent role in September at KPMG in Cardiff – I’m sure the experience and knowledge gained from the programme helped set me apart from other candidates.”

Read the full story in this week’s north editions of the Cambrian News