In recent years, investment banks have placed increasing emphasis on diversity, introducing dedicated pathways for underrepresented groups, including women. At PGP, we have seen many candidates successfully break in through Diversity Programs across leading global banks.

This case highlights what can happen when a highly motivated candidate meets the right opportunity. It is a story of initiative, timing, and execution, and how these elements can unlock meaningful outcomes. To every young woman working toward her future: Be the woman you want to be. You are the best.

University: UK Top 5
Major: STEM
Preparation Timeline: Second semester of sophomore year
Offers: BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan

Like many candidates preparing for Sales & Trading, she initially had limited technical knowledge and had never formally prepared for behavioral interviews.

However, candidates who join PGP quickly realize that both of these gaps are addressable.

Across our program, over 50% of S&T candidates successfully convert offers. This is driven by two core elements:

First, we have developed a comprehensive technical framework for S&T. Once candidates complete this system, technical questions are no longer a barrier. Second, our mentors work closely with each candidate to identify and refine their unique strengths, ensuring that these are fully articulated in behavioral interviews.

This candidate demonstrated exceptional work ethic.

Within two months, she completed the full scope of preparation, technicals, behavioral interviews, and assigned work, consistently exceeding expectations.

Her results were not a surprise.

She delivered one of the strongest outcomes in her cohort, and it was fully deserved.

In the early stages of university, I did not have a clear sense of direction.

I was not involved in student organizations, nor was I familiar with spring weeks. It wasn’t until the second semester of my sophomore year that I began attending events, gaining exposure, and ultimately deciding to pursue Sales & Trading.

Later, I came across Natasha on Xiaohongshu. I was immediately drawn to her content and decided to join the six-month program.

At the time, my CV had no direct relevance to S&T. Over the summer, my mentor worked with me repeatedly, refining my CV, behavioral stories, and stock pitch, while also guiding me on the technical areas I needed to prepare.

Given that Hong Kong recruiting operates on a rolling basis, my mentor advised me to submit most of my applications by late August, even though I was not fully prepared.

Since I was applying to both Hong Kong and London, the period from late August to early November was spent continuously working through online tests and video interviews. Fortunately, through a fast-track process tied to an event, I had my first interview in mid-September. From there, I began receiving more interview invitations, each one initially came as a surprise.

Before every interview, Natasha would walk me through what to expect and what to prioritize in preparation. She also encouraged me to document my interview experiences and reflect on areas for improvement.

In late October, I attended BNP’s Assessment Centre. At the end of the day, one of the interviewers mentioned they hoped to see me in the summer.

Three weeks later, the offer came through. During this period, I also participated in two Superdays with Hong Kong bulge bracket banks. Because earlier interviews had gone relatively smoothly, and I was simultaneously managing graduate school applications, I did not dedicate sufficient time to market news preparation. This ultimately cost me one of those opportunities.

At the time, I was extremely disappointed. I felt that I had not made the most of the opportunity. Natasha noticed the shift in my mindset immediately. Instead of criticism, she took the time to walk through what had happened, helping me understand the gap and regain focus.

Shortly after, I progressed through a first-round interview with a UK bulge bracket bank and received an Assessment Centre invitation. Around the same time, I was also invited to J.P. Morgan’s Assessment Centre, with less than one day’s notice.

I had to compress my preparation into half a day, reviewing technicals, market news, and my “why firm” narrative.

A few days later, I received a call from HR. The feedback from interviewers had been overwhelmingly positive. I had received the offer! Even hours after the call, it still felt unreal.

At the beginning of the recruiting season, my only goal had been to secure one offer, any S&T role, at any firm. I never imagined I would receive offers from bulge bracket banks. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for PGP’s guidance and support throughout the process. I could not have done this alone.