Hi, I am Archie Blair. I am 20 and currently 6 months into my placement programme with Walker Crips Financial Planning. I am originally from Leicester and I'm studying Politics and International Relations at the University of York.

What made you decide to take up the internship placement at Walker Crips?

I wanted a placement that would give me hands-on experience in the financial services industry and help me grow professionally. Before this internship, I had no experience of a corporate environment, so the idea of learning directly from an experienced financial planner at Walker Crips really appealed to me. It was about finding a placement where I could be part of a team and have someone guide me as I took my first steps into the industry. That's what made the Internship at Walker Crips really stand out to me.

What were the most important factors for you when looking for an internship?

When looking for an internship, I was looking for something that would challenge me and help me grow. It was really important to find a role where I could learn from experienced financial planner and gain real insights into financial planning, not just observe from the sidelines. I also wanted an opportunity to develop skills which I could carry into my future career. Mentorship was a key factor for me, finding someone who could guide me and help me understand the complexities of the industry was key. This is what made Walker Crips stand out, they offered everything: hands-on experience, mentorship and the chance to contribute meaningfully.

How do you feel about the internship programme at Walker Crips?

It’s been a brilliant experience. Working with Matthew Crawshaw has been a highlight - his knowledge and experience have been invaluable. What I really appreciate about Walker Crips is the variety of experiences it offers. With its investment and pension arms, I’ve been able to explore so many different aspects of the financial planning industry. That kind of exposure has really broadened my understanding of the industry and made the internship far more rewarding than I initially expected.

How have you found your internship so far? What skills have you developed during your internship?

The internship has been a great learning experience. Adjusting from university to a professional work environment was difficult at first, but it really helped me improve my organisation and time management skills. I have also been able to connect my academic background in politics to this role, especially when looking at how government policies, like the recent Labour budget. I was able to work alongside Matt and learn how to think critically about these changes and apply that to real-world scenarios. For me, this has been a really eye-opening journey.

What are your plans after completing your internship?

Once my internship wraps up, I’m planning to take some time in the summer to travel and reconnect with family. In the longer-term, I’m excited to come back to the financial planning industry. This experience has given me the confidence to take my qualifications and start becoming a financial adviser. I’ve learned so much at Walker Crips, and I’m looking forward to building on that foundation in the future.

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Watch Archie's interview on our YouTube channel.