Meet Daryna, a Graduate in Global Markets Trading

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.

I am Daryna, and I am currently participating in the Societe Generale Graduate Programme based within Global Markets. I completed my bachelor’s degree at Durham University, studying Economics. I then moved to LSE to pursue a Masters in Global Management which included the CEMS programme giving me the opportunity to attend HEC Paris. My Societe Generale journey started on the Credit Trading desk as a summer intern and after getting a return offer, I moved to the Rates Trading desk for the Graduate Programme. As the internship offered a lot of opportunities to explore different financial products and areas in the organisation to fit my interests, it was a very smooth transition.

What is the company culture like?

For me, culture and the way people are treated at the organisation is by far the most important factor when choosing the place to potentially connect your life. This is important either through an internship at the start of your career or a 35-year journey on the FX Options desk. I can say for a fact that the culture here is exactly what I was looking for. It is very open, inclusive and welcoming, with the people surrounding you genuinely wanting you to succeed and giving you every opportunity to do so. You are given responsibility quite early and are always supported. 

Finally, any tips for anyone who’d like to apply for a similar role?

I would advise you to be inquisitive and curious because not only will it help you learn as much as possible and create connections early on, but it will also help you understand what you enjoy doing and what you do not. Also, my advice would be to build as big and strong of a network as possible. It is crucial to be out there connecting with various people from different divisions of the industry as these relationships might be a game changer either now or later in your career.