As a BSc Economics student at the University of Warwick, I joined TPN because I wanted guidance from people who understood the career journey I was trying to navigate. Coming from a background where I did not have any personal contacts in finance or professional services, I knew how valuable it would be to have access to a community of people who had already been through the process and were willing to share their advice.
One lesson I have taken from TPN is that your network is your net worth. Before joining, networking felt quite intimidating. I understood that it was important, but I did not always know how to approach professionals or how to build genuine relationships. Through TPN’s events, the chance to speak to professionals across different industries and hear about their career journeys has helped me become more confident in reaching out and learning from others.
TPN has also played a big role in helping me prepare for interviews and assessment centres. When preparing for these, there was a lot of work I had to do, from researching companies and reflecting on my experiences to learning how to present myself properly. Hearing from people who had already been through similar processes and a TPN mentor I could approach for support made a huge difference.
One of the most valuable things I gained from TPN’s Mentorship Programme was confidence. Stages of the application process can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to enter industries that are particularly competitive. Thanks to TPN, I was able to enhance my skills and feel more prepared. I learned that confidence does not mean knowing everything. It comes from preparation and believing that your experiences have value.
A key example of this was before I started my Spring Week at EY. My mentor kindly connected me to a professional on the TPN Network who was working at EY, who very generously gave me a long list of tips and advice. This included guidance on how to make the most of the spring week and how to stand out in a professional but authentic way. That support helped me perform well during the spring week and later in the assessment centre, where I was able to secure a return offer. I am very grateful for the guidance that helped me prepare in the right way.
Another thing I really appreciated about TPN was the career advice I received beyond just one specific application. Speaking to my mentor and people from different industries helped me understand that careers are not always linear and that exploring different opportunities can help you make better decisions.
For me, TPN represents what community should be about: people further up the ladder helping those below them climb too. That sense of support is something I have found incredibly inspiring. It reminded me that success should not just be about individual achievement, but also about making the path easier for others where you can. In the future, I hope to be in a position where I can give back in the same way and support other students who are trying to navigate their own career journeys.
I would encourage any student to get involved with TPN. Regardless of whether you are wanting to build your network or simply hoping to speak to people who understand your journey, TPN is a great place to grow. I am very grateful to be part of such a supportive community and I look forward to carrying forward the lessons I have learned.
– Bharanie Rubakumar, TPN Arivu Mentee 2025/6 (Spring Week, EY)
