Adam Bundy

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Cabinet Office

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After university I had an offer to study a Masters or go on to a grad scheme at the Ministry of Defence in Procurement and Commercial. I decided on the latter, and was there for 2 years undertaking a range of roles on a structured graduate program. After this I joined the Finance Fast Stream in order to train as an accountant as well as see the wider civil service. To date I have held positions in the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Defence with my next placement starting in October.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

When I started out in the civil service I admittedly did not really know that much about it, I was just attracted by the opportunity to work on major projects. After being in for almost 4 years, and working in a range of departments I think the diversity is something that sticks out, be that the people, the working environment or the job itself. The training is also very good, the civil service will pay for most professional qualifications.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was a member of the American Football Society, as well as the Treasurer for the Mature student society.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I found Sociology interesting and engaging throughout my time at Exeter. I think my favourite area focused on the study of space and environments. I was lucky to be able to be taught by Andrew Pickering and Tia DeNora, who are both world leaders in their respective areas of study.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

The subjects taught, and the lecturers who taught them.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

It had one of the top departments in the country, and focused on areas which interested me.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

I think research skills are probably the most important take away from my degree, be that reading critically, or data analysis. Having an understanding of how to analyse any kind of data be it quantitative or qualitative is a benefit in any role, but marrying this with the ability to look into the situation behind the data is also invaluable and makes people appreciate your input.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

The Finance Fast Stream offers good opportunities both internally and externally. For this reason it is competitive, so I would prepare for each assessment exercise, and don’t feel disheartened if it doesn’t work out. As a finance professional it is always good to understand the wider impact of your decisions, as such, a general understanding of what’s going on in the markets. All the top grad schemes test similar to each other, so prepping well for one wont be wasted even if that doesn’t work out.

What are your plans for the future?

Over the next 2 years I hope to qualify as a chartered accountant, and then take up a grade 7 role within the South West.