Doina Emilian

 

Describe what your current job involves:

 

I am a consultant at EY Switzerland, based in the Geneva office. I am specialised in Financial Services Consulting, thus supporting banks and other financial institutions, serving them holistically across all their business needs. As a member of the Business Transformation Execution team, I am predominantly involved in projects focused on improving our clients’ performance by supporting end-to-end transformation programs, from developing their strategies, to implementing them. 

Briefly describe your career history to date (type of position and how you navigated this journey):

My career started with an internship at the Scottish Childminding Association, a charity based in Stirling, where I first experienced office work, collaboration, and the responsibility for delivering on a deadline. A year after, I was privileged to be selected in the candidate pool of the Saltire Foundation, who forwarded my application to Barclays in Geneva, where I was a wealth and investment management intern. That sparked my interest in financial services, and I knew it was a path I wanted to pursue after graduation. To enhance my capabilities in the meantime, I also worked as an intern at the American Chamber of Commerce in Moldova, a Legal Assistant at ScottishPower, a Brand Ambassador for the Saltire Foundation, and a Data Analyst at the University of Stirling.

In what way did your experiences at Stirling shape your career to date (academic studies, internships, study abroad, part-time work, volunteering)?

Moving to Stirling was a significant emotional and financial effort for me, which is why I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunities presented during my time there. During my second year, I had a 6-month internship with the Scottish Childminding Association. A year later, I went on an ERASMUS+ exchange to Copenhagen Business School, and I also became a Saltire Scholar, being selected for an internship with Barclays Wealth and Investment Management in Geneva, Switzerland. A year after that, I went on placement at ScottishPower, opportunity offered by Stirling Law School, for which I received Stirling’s prestigious Student Talent Awards Recognition (STAR) Award. I was also focused on my studies, and graduated with First Class Honours, receiving the Oxford University Press prize for the Best Law Student.

All of these experiences prepared me for my professional life, by learning to seize opportunities, communicate with senior stakeholders, navigate and prioritize responsibilities, and focus on structured problem solving.

What advice would you give to current students in terms of preparing for your first job after graduation?

The job market is hugely competitive, so it really helps to get as much extra-curricular experience as possible, to help build your skills. Doing well in your degree is important, but employers also look for practical skills to complement your theoretical knowledge. Whether it is a sport, a society, studying abroad or taking an internship, not only does it build your CV, it also shapes you as a person and increases your confidence when it comes to tackling the professional world.

Use the resources that are at your disposal at the University of Stirling! There are career services, counselling, fairs, staff that is specialised and happy to offer advice – do not underestimate the importance of receiving support. Information and help are at the tip of your fingers and you should reach out while you have the options.