Rory Blazeby – BA (Hons) History graduate

“Summer or yearlong internship/placements in the industry are invaluable. Often, nowadays, these are the only ways to get your foot in the door with companies, to prove your worth. It will also give you work experience to put on your CV and show employers that you had initiative while a student.”

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

I’ve worked for Preqin ever since graduating in 2013. I started work less than two weeks after finishing my third year and haven’t looked back since. I’ve had three different roles at the company, being promoted over the last 18 months into a newly formed team as a senior member. I’m now responsible for some of the firm’s largest clients (key to the role is travelling and meeting with existing customers to build and improve relationships).

What is the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?

I think the most difficult challenge I’ve faced was probably the first three to six months. It’s hard adapting to life after university and when you jump straight into work, it’s easy to compare past and present. That, and learning about a new industry and living in a new city, makes things harder than you think.

What is the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career? 

Probably the amount I get to travel. I’m normally in Europe/Middle East once or twice a month, which is amazing. I was tasked with helping out our team in Singapore, so I have been over there twice to assist our staff/clients in the region in order to maximise growth. They are all awesome places to go, and it’s humbling to be given the opportunity to help an older team out there at the age of 22/23.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work? 

Summer or yearlong internship/placements in the industry are invaluable. Often, nowadays, these are the only ways to get your foot in the door with companies, to prove your worth. It will also give you work experience to put on your CV and show employers that you had initiative while a student. For employers, having some experience and, more importantly, having shown initiative, will give you a competitive advantage.

How has a degree from the University influenced your career?

Plymouth gave me transferable skills, the ability to think independently, and a mentality to problem solve.

What is your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?

It’s got to be as part of the Rowing Club. UPRC holds some top memories for me and, although it might sounds clichéd, I honestly think my life now is shaped by the integrity and hard work of being part of the rowing club. Plus, make lifelong friends being part of a sports society.