Sophie Baldry

Tell us about your time at the University

I chose to study at Edinburgh University for its international high ranking for teaching business studies; Edinburgh is also a good distance away from my hometown in Northumberland, which meant I could have freedom without being too far from home.

I remember travelling to Edinburgh for an open day before choosing it as a place to study and the sun was shining beautifully – I quickly learned that this is not normal weather for the city! Throughout my time at university, I took an active role in student life; taking on the role of a Fresher’s rep., spending two years as a Resident’s Assistant at Kincaid’s Court student accommodation as well as being President of Best Buddies, a non-profit that works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In my final year, I was fortunate to be offered a place to represent Edinburgh University Business School in a case study competition in Montreal.

I remember travelling to Edinburgh for an open day before choosing it as a place to study and the sun was shining beautifully – I quickly learned that this is not normal weather for the city!

During my time in Edinburgh, I made lifelong friends and developed skills that I am still using today in the workplace. I have some wonderful memories of my time in Edinburgh, dancing the night away at the Big Cheese student night at Potter row, hosting parties for 200 first year students and doing countless bake sales outside of the library.

Tell us about your Experiences since leaving the University

Whilst at University I completed a summer internship at John Lewis where I learned of my preference to work in a faster paced environment. In December 2012, I secured a place on Lloyds Banking Group’s Graduate Scheme and have remained in the organisation since officially joining in September 2013. On the Graduate programme I spent six months in four business areas ; IT Risk, Retail Chief Operating  Officer, Bank of Scotland and lastly as an Executive Assistant to the Managing Director of Operations. Throughout this time I lived in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bristol and London.

The experience gave me a wealth of knowledge about the business and I secured a full time position as a Digital Inclusion Project Manager in the Group’s Digital division. I am responsible for managing key partnerships and raising the profile of the great work my team and the Digital division do. I manage the Digital division’s awards strategy and write a number of blogs and articles published externally. I also manage the strategy to deliver digital skills training to small businesses and charities across the UK which is very exciting to be involved in.

My proudest moment to date happened in June of this year when I was awarded the “Young Professional” award at the Women in Banking and Finance awards. It was such an honour to be surrounded by so many inspirational women and receive the personal accolade. I have also recently been shortlisted at this year’s Women of the Future awards and I look forward to seeing what this brings.

In my personal life I am a keen runner, a hobby I began when I moved to Edinburgh. I have now completed three half marathons and this year achieved my first full marathon which I chose to run in Edinburgh because of my love for the city.

Alumni wisdom

Enjoy every moment of your time at university, stay close to the friends you make and fully immerse yourself in University life. Don’t be afraid to take opportunities and try new things – it’s the only time you’ll be able to do so with absolute freedom.