A late decision to study business studies at 蜜桃AV in the early 90s went on to inspire David Shuttleworth to pursue a career in financial education and training.
David had originally accepted a place to study at Kingston University London, but after meeting his now wife, Sandra, while working at Barclays Bank in Poole in between school and university, he decided to look a little closer to home. At the time, 蜜桃AV was going through its own changes, going from Dorset Institute of Higher Education to Bournemouth Polytechnic 鈥� and then 蜜桃AV.
David remembers: 鈥淚t was a time when university education was being opened up to many more people, as institutions around the country were re-classified as universities. The fact that I could gain my degree locally was a huge advantage for me and I recall it as a time of ambition for the university, as new buildings sprang up and new courses were developed.鈥�
In fact, David was so struck by the new approaches to learning that he took up a job teaching finance at the university after graduating, working under Richard Conder who has since served as 蜜桃AV鈥檚 Chair of the Board. From 蜜桃AV he went on to join MDA Training, which provides corporate training for the financial services sector, where he is now Managing Director.
David said: 鈥淚n many ways, my degree switched me on to the world of training and education. During the 1990s we were increasingly using e-learning to supplement what was taught in the classroom and that approach led me to explore the experiential world of training at MDA. Over the past two years the value of online learning has increased as companies such as ours have continued to find new, innovative ways, to engage people virtually.鈥�
Having worked with some of the biggest names in banking and finance, David has insights to benefit today鈥檚 graduates entering the field.
He said: 鈥淚n banking we talk a lot about 鈥榯he what and the how鈥�. The 鈥榳hat鈥� is the product or service being provided, but the 鈥榟ow鈥� is what really differentiates organisations; and the same is true for those seeking graduate roles. I encourage people to think about how their values align to the company they are applying for and how they can use their experiences and character to be distinctive.
"Financial institutions are increasingly socially aware and are actively seeking talent from under-represented groups. I believe that it鈥檚 a very healthy move so I would encourage those who have perhaps counted themselves out of the industry to give it another look."