From Tower Hamlets to J.P. Morgan
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
30 Years. 30 Stories.
From Tower Hamlets to J.P. Morgan
How one opportunity helped Arif discover there really was a place for him in the corporate world.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're celebrating the people whose journeys have shaped The Brokerage over the last three decades.
Today's job market looks very different to the one many of our alumni entered. Artificial intelligence is screening CVs, competition for graduate roles is higher than ever and many talented young people never get the chance to speak to a recruiter.
For Arif, that makes organisations like The Brokerage more important than ever.
Because before someone can prove themselves, someone first has to believe they're worth seeing.
"There was actually a way into this world."
I felt very empowered knowing there was actually an organisation - The Brokerage, that wanted to support students from my background.
Growing up in Tower Hamlets in a working-class family, Arif didn't have relatives working in corporate careers or a network he could turn to for advice.
When he discovered The Brokerage in Year 13 through LinkedIn and his school's careers adviser, it felt like something completely new.
For the first time, professional careers didn't feel like something that belonged to other people.
They felt possible.
Learning the unwritten rules
One of the first workshops Arif attended focused on something many young people are simply expected to know - how to write a CV.
Looking back, he remembers how valuable it was to receive practical advice, compare CVs with other students and learn from people who understood what employers were really looking for.
The workshops weren't just about formatting documents.
They were about building confidence.
"It was really helpful to get advice from The Brokerage, but also from other students who were in exactly the same position."
Those early experiences gave Arif a clearer understanding of professional recruitment and prepared him for opportunities ahead.
A first experience of corporate life
After completing his A Levels, Arif secured a placement through The Brokerage with Société Générale.
Stepping into a global financial organisation at just 18 years old was exciting—but also overwhelming.
Everything was new.
Fortunately, he wasn't expected to navigate it alone.
Alongside support from his manager, The Brokerage stayed in touch throughout the placement, recognising that for many candidates this is their first experience of a professional workplace.
Looking back, Arif describes it as the experience that gave him his first real understanding of what corporate life looked like.
It became the springboard that helped launch the next stage of his journey.
Finding the right path
Like many young people, Arif's route wasn't straightforward.
He initially began studying Computer Science before realising it wasn't the right course for him. After taking time to reflect, he reapplied to university and graduated with a History degree from the London School of Economics.
People often questioned that decision.
"How did you end up at J.P. Morgan with a History degree?"
For Arif, that question misses the point.
He believes professional careers are built on curiosity, resilience, communication and critical thinking—not simply the title of your degree.
"Don't choose a degree based purely on how much money you think you'll earn. Choose something you're genuinely interested in. Every degree has value."
Building a career at JP Morgan
Today, Arif is completing the Corporate Analyst Development Programme at JP Morgan.
Across the graduate scheme, he has worked in technology, marketing and internal communications, supporting colleagues across Ireland through executive communications, digital channels and internal engagement.
He describes the experience as one of constant learning.
Surrounded by experts across every discipline, he has been encouraged to ask questions, develop new skills and take opportunities whenever they arise.
"Always ask. The worst someone can say is no - and the best thing they can say is yes."
It is advice he now carries with him throughout his career.
Tips from Arif for any young person starting out
One part of our conversation moved beyond Arif's own journey.
We spoke about today's recruitment landscape and the growing use of artificial intelligence within recruitment processes.
Arif believes AI has an important role to play and encourages young people to learn how to use it.
But he also worries about how automated recruitment systems can unintentionally filter out talented candidates before a recruiter has even seen their application.
"AI is here to stay. We should all learn how to use it. But I don't like seeing it used to decide who gets seen by recruiters."
For young people without professional networks, he believes this creates another barrier to accessing opportunity.
That's why he still sees organisations like The Brokerage playing such an important role.
Helping talented young people prepare, build confidence and connect with employers who are willing to look beyond keywords on a CV.
Looking ahead
As Arif completes his graduate programme, he's exploring opportunities to continue building a career in communications while remaining open to new experiences across financial services.
One thing is certain.
He wants to give back.
During our conversation, Arif spoke about volunteering with The Brokerage and supporting future candidates beginning the same journey he started six years ago.
Opening doors to future careers
Arif's story reflects the reality facing many young people today.
Talent alone isn't always enough. Access to networks, practical guidance and opportunities to gain experience continue to shape who gets through the door.
For 30 years, The Brokerage has been helping young people develop the confidence, skills and connections they need to navigate professional careers. From employability workshops and placements to mentoring and long-term career support, our aim has always been the same: to help talented young people fulfil their potential.
As part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. campaign, we're proud to celebrate alumni like Arif whose journeys demonstrate that social mobility isn't simply about securing a first opportunity - it's about building lasting careers and creating the confidence to keep opening new doors.
Finally, our sincere thanks to Arif for taking the time to share his story with such honesty. We look forward to seeing where your career takes you next and hope to welcome you back as one of our future volunteers, inspiring the next generation of Brokerage candidates.
Where is Arif now?
Completing the J.P. Morgan graduate programme while building a career in corporate communications and preparing for the next stage of his professional journey.
Profile
Joined The Brokerage: 2019
Background: Tower Hamlets | First generation to attend university
Education: History, London School of Economics
Current Role: Corporate Analyst Development Programme, JP Morgan
Programme Highlights
Employability workshops
CV support
Peer learning
Placement at Société Générale
Long-term alumni engagement
If you're an Alumni of The Brokerage - reach to us - we want to hear "Where are you now?" as part of our 30 Years. 30 Stories. Email: partnerships@thebrokerage.org.uk
You can support our candidates to a journey to secure their first career here:
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