We first met Tom at a school leavers' careers fair in June 2024. Curious to learn more about the fiduciary industry and eager to gain practical experience in financial services, he joined Oak for work experience before beginning his studies at Durham University, where he is now studying Accounting and Finance.
Looking back on his time with Oak, one of the things that stands out is the sheer breadth of the industry.
"What surprised me most was the complexity and range of services that can be offered to clients, as well as the variation between roles and day-to-day projects," he explains.
During his time with the business, Tom has been exposed to a wide variety of work, from building client structure charts and verifying client data to assisting with due diligence, screenings and networking events. This diversity of experience has given him a unique insight into the many different career paths available within financial services.
The variety of projects has also been one of the highlights of his experience.
"I've enjoyed learning not just what we do, but why we do it and the benefit it has for clients," he says. "I've also developed an interest in understanding the differences between UK and offshore jurisdictions and how regulations across places such as the Middle East and the British Virgin Islands interact with each other."
Beyond the technical knowledge gained, Tom believes one of the biggest lessons has been understanding how a growing international business operates.
"I've learned how different departments work together and how interconnected different jurisdictions are. It's also been fascinating to see Oak's growth first-hand through Opera. I joined just before the expansion phase really started, so it's been interesting to watch the business develop."
The experience has also helped shape his career ambitions.
"When I first started, I had a general idea that I wanted to work in finance, but being exposed to the industry and developing my skills has reinforced that ambition and confirmed that it's a career I want to pursue."
For anyone considering a future in finance, his advice is simple: keep an open mind.
"Finance is such a broad industry with so many different roles and opportunities. If one area doesn't appeal to you, don't let that put you off the industry altogether. I'd also encourage people to build relationships and network whenever possible. It can open doors, create opportunities and help you learn from those around you."
We're delighted to have supported Tom on his journey so far and look forward to seeing what he achieves throughout the rest of his studies and beyond.
If you’re interested in a career at Oak, please visit www.oak.group/join-the-team