10 Years of BCBF – Bright futures in the big city

Three BCBF alumni reflect on their internships, and how their experiences with IntoUniversity have impacted their current journeys.

MEET KRISTIANS

Kristians started his IntoUniversity journey at our Brighton centre, and was later accepted onto the BCBF programme, securing an internship at management consulting firm Kearney.

Fast forward to now, and Kristians is gearing up to start a Bachelor of Arts in History, Politics, and Economics at University College London. His hard work and determination are paying off, and he’s excited for what’s next.

Kristians interned at Kearney, a well-respected consulting firm, during his BCBF experience. The boot camp that came before the internship was a real eye-opener for him. “The variety of workshops and talks passed many bits of insight and skills that I was able to implement throughout my internship at Kearney,” he noted.

If you’re thinking about applying to BCBF, Kristians says go for it! He strongly recommends attending all the application sessions. “Not only do they give insight into the programme and the processes in applying, but also bolster your chances of getting in,” he emphasised.

MEET MICHAEL

Michael is a dedicated young professional from Kennington who says his experience with IntoUniversity and BCBF has played a pivotal role in shaping his career. Currently working as a Finance Assistant at a clothing company, Michael reflects on his journey and the impact these opportunities have had on his professional growth.

Michael attended IntoUniversity Kennington for about two years, initially discovering the programme through his secondary school. He was then accepted onto the BCBF programme, securing an internship with one of the world’s leading financial companies, BlackRock.

When asked about BCBF, Michael shares, “During school, I had completed some work experience, but none in the asset management sector, so this opportunity was entirely new for me. ”This internship at BlackRock was particularly enticing because it lasted approximately three weeks – much longer than the typical one-week placements he had previously done. He viewed this as “a valuable chance to get more hands-on experience,” which he felt was necessary to develop practical skills and insight.

Michael strongly encourages other young people to apply for BCBF: “I would highly recommend it. There’s almost no downside to applying and gaining early experience, which many people struggle to find.”

MEET TIAN

Tian attended IntoUniversity Leeds South since she was just nine years old. Her journey has been marked by dedication and a thirst for knowledge, leading her to study Combined Social Science at the University of Durham, with a focus on Politics, Philosophy, and Anthropology.

Tian learned about BCBF through the regular IntoUniversity email newsletter. “I wanted to have something to look forward to after finishing my A-levels,” she said, expressing her eagerness to prepare for her post-education journey. This led her to an internship at the Bank of New York, specifically within the legal department focused on Public Policy, Regulation Supervision, and Corporate Affairs.

Reflecting on her experience at the BCBF boot camp, Tian says, “My experience was beyond my expectations, both in terms of the knowledge I gained and the professional growth it fostered.” She found the programme to be informative and transformative, helping her develop crucial skills for the working world. The camaraderie among her fellow interns was particularly inspiring, as she noted, “The insightful questions they posed set the stage for some deeply enriching conversations.”

In closing, Tian expressed appreciation for the firms advocating for social mobility, noting, “It was great to see how many firms are championing social mobility. Elite jobs aren’t just for the elite.” Her journey through IntoUniversity and BCBF exemplifies how determination and support can open doors to new opportunities and pathways, paving the way for a promising future.