News & insights

In a world where career paths often seem linear, our latest case study features an inspiring journey that defies expectations. Amanda Byrne, an Associate at BNP Paribas, whose initial aspirations lay far from the financial sector – in nursing, to be precise. It was a pivotal Career Ready internship that unexpectedly ignited a passion for finance, revealing a hidden talent and a profound sense of belonging. Read Amanda’s story here.

Many of us embark on career paths influenced by family, yet often, it's the unexpected detours and a willingness to explore that truly shape our professional journeys. That was the case with Finlay Stewart who, despite initial aspirations of becoming an archaeologist, found his calling in the dynamic world of financial services. Read more in Finlay’s blog here.

In our next #NoWrongPath blog, we hear from Jay Robertson, a successful Private Banker at Coutts on how an unexpected apprenticeship sparked a passion, reshaped ambitions, and led to a thriving career in the dynamic world of wealth management. Jay’s story champions real-world experience, continuous growth, and the profound impact of mentorship. 

As thousands of young people across Scotland receive their exam results today, our Chief Executive Sandy Begbie has written a piece reminding young people that there is no wrong path and that your willingness to learn, your mindset and your attitude to challenge matter just as much as exam results.

This week, we’re proud to support the #NoWrongPath campaign by Developing the Young Workforce, which shines a light on the many different routes people take into fulfilling careers. First up is Jess Insall, co-chair of the SFE young professional network, to share her story.

Before my internship I didn’t really know what to expect when I went into the workplace. The internship has made me realise that I might not go to college next year for joinery and would like to find a job in financial services.

In this post, we'll dive into the journeys of three individuals who've successfully navigated this transition: Mark Kane, Senior Project Manager at M&G; Jamie McMillan, Operational Risk Director at Barclays; and Ben James, Director at Baillie Gifford. Their stories highlight how their military backgrounds didn't just prepare them for a new career but actively gave them a unique edge.

Check out SFE YP committee member Heather Ross's latest blog post about her inspiring experience at the 2025 All-Energy Conference & Exhibition in Glasgow. From engaging seminars to dynamic panel discussions, Heather highlights the innovative solutions and collaborative efforts driving us towards a sustainable future.

Rory Bremner takes centre stage as our compere for the 2025 Scottish Financial Services Awards, sponsored by EY.