Erin Mcavoy

I tried the university route and working full-time, but neither worked for me. I didn’t want to spend four years at university and not gain any actual work experience, but I didn’t want to stop learning either.

I wanted hands-on training alongside the opportunity to learn, and that’s what drew me to Baillie Gifford’s modern apprenticeship programme.

It also means that I have been able to enjoy a better work/life balance than, say, if I had to attend university and have a part-time job.

Since joining, one of my high points has been how amazing the company is at developing your career. Even at this stage, it’s a two-way conversation.

I’ve had the chance to spend days in different departments trying out what they do, and I’m constantly asked what my goals are and where I want to go.

Baillie Gifford wants you to be happy and not just have a career. That means it’s not just a case of being told where to go.

I’m currently working towards my business administration qualification. It’s actively pushed me to speak to people I might not otherwise have had the opportunity to and learn from them about what they do.

I am really looking forward to the office move to Haymarket in Edinburgh in the next year or so. Working within the reception team, I can see the difference that having more space will make and how it can improve our clients’ experience when visiting our office. 

Please note that any references to current teams in bios are as of the time of writing and may not reflect the current situation due to the nature of the programmes.