A different path into Finance: Finding opportunity at SSE
With a background in Philosophy, Economics and hospitality, Freddie took an unconventional route into Finance and shares how SSE’s graduate programme has helped him build his skills, confidence and understanding of the electricity sector.
First, tell us a bit about yourself! What programme did you join at SSE and where are you based?
I joined the Finance Graduate Programme, and I’m based in Perth. I started my graduate scheme in Glasgow.
What did you study at university?
Before starting at SSE, I completed a remote degree in Economics with the Open University. Before that, I studied Philosophy for seven years and worked in tourism and hospitality for six years.
Which sectors did you consider applying to for your graduate role? What made you choose SSE and the area you are now working in?
I wanted to work in an industry that I found interesting and where there was an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. SSE fitted the bill, as there are endless nooks and crannies to explore, and it plays a crucial role in the transition to a low carbon society.
SSE offers great variety across different parts of the business, and Finance is a great vantage point to see what’s happening right across the Group.
How did you find the recruitment process? Do you have any advice for students considering applying for the SSE Graduate Programmes?
The recruitment process felt personal, and I was clearly presenting to people rather than just algorithms. I was able to show my personality, so I’d encourage others to do the same.
I’d also recommend researching SSE beforehand, finding out about some of the company’s major developments over the last couple of years and getting an understanding of what the different parts of the Group do.
Tell us a bit about your current role.
I’ve just started my final placement on the graduate scheme, this time in the Energy Markets division, where we trade and manage the sale of the electricity that SSE generates. It’s a great place to understand what’s happening across the business and see how the stories you hear in the news can affect what households pay for their electricity.
The graduate scheme is designed to give you experience across different areas of Finance. I’d previously worked in reporting, looking back at the numbers, but now I’m in forecasting, where we look ahead to understand what could happen in the future. Many other graduate schemes focus on one skill or one part of a business, so I’ve really enjoyed the variety over the past three years.
Are you working towards a professional qualification?
I’m working towards qualifying with ICAS as a Chartered Accountant. SSE has a really supportive programme, giving you dedicated study time, alongside a strong network of trainees and colleagues who help make the process as manageable as studying can be. The qualification is highly respected and opens the door to a wide range of finance and business opportunities.
How have you found transitioning into both Finance and SSE?
Before I applied, I wondered whether companies like SSE would be interested in applicants who weren’t straight out of university or who hadn’t studied or worked in accountancy or the electricity sector before.
I’ve found that SSE is full of people from all kinds of different backgrounds, and anyone who is willing to learn is made to feel welcome. SSE has grown significantly in recent years, meaning there are lots of people learning together. That creates a really open environment where new starters can develop, while also helping to shape the company with the skills and experiences they bring.
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