University of Birmingham's International Relations Graduate Joins Qomply Internship Programme

Jaeyda Dovie joined Qomply's Intern Programme while pursuing her Bachelor's in Politics and International Relations from the University of Birmingham. Jaeyda discusses why she chose Qomply, her favourite parts of the internship and the new skills she has learnt over the past few weeks.

Why Qomply?

As a politics student, I initially hadn't considered the financial sector for my career path. However, my mentor Peter Green introduced me to Qomply and encouraged me to apply for their internship program, highlighting how my skills could align well with the Fintech industry.

My journey with Qomply began with a challenging first interview. Despite my initial nervousness, Michelle Zak, Qomply’s Co-Founder and MD, saw potential in me and offered a second chance to showcase my abilities. This opportunity to prove myself truly resonated with me and demonstrates Qomply's commitment to nurturing talent.

Motivated by this second chance, I immersed myself in researching Qomply and the Fintech sector. The more I learned, the more I realised that Qomply was the ideal place for me to start my professional journey. As a politics student, I'm fascinated by evolution and change, and I discovered a strong, often overlooked link between policy changes and the financial sector.

Qomply's innovative approach to RegTech perfectly showcases this intersection of policy and finance. The company's mission to simplify complex regulatory requirements aligns with my interest in how regulations shape industries and drive change.

What is your favourite part of the internship?

My internship at Qomply has been incredibly rewarding, and I find it difficult to choose just one favourite aspect. However, one experience stands out as particularly valuable: the one-on-one mentoring sessions with Charlotte Valinotti, the marketing director. Her extensive experience and willingness to share knowledge have significantly enhanced my understanding of marketing strategies. We've worked on practical tasks like managing the company's LinkedIn presence which has given me insights into how employers view and utilise professional networking platforms. Charlotte's guidance has been transformative for my own LinkedIn profile – I've been able to triple my connections and create a more engaging personal brand within my first month at Qomply.

What have you learnt during the internship so far?

Under the guidance of one of my managers Sophia Fulugunya, I've gained extensive knowledge in transaction reporting. Her experience with both regulators and companies has provided invaluable insights that far exceed what I could have learned through independent research.

My financial literacy has grown substantially. I began with a dedicated page for unfamiliar terms, but thanks to Sophia's patient explanations, I've rapidly expanded my financial vocabulary. This has been particularly valuable given my non-finance background.

Technically, I've developed proficiency in Microsoft Excel. The whole team has taught me efficient techniques and tips to use that have significantly improved my productivity. Additionally, I've gained expertise in tools such as HubSpot, using it for various marketing operations and reporting and YouTrack which has made communicating with the team seamless and improved my project management processes.

I've acquired essential professional skills often overlooked in academic settings, such as creating a proper email signature and leveraging marketing platforms effectively. While seemingly minor, these skills are crucial in a professional environment.

What does your future career path look like?

My academic background studying a double honour in Politics and International Relations at the University of Birmingham has provided me with a broad foundation and opened numerous career possibilities. Initially, I was uncertain about my specific career path, but I knew I had a keen interest in travel and a passion for understanding policy and law.

During my first two years of university, I have attended numerous career fairs and events, but could not settle on a specific career direction. However, working at Qomply has sparked my interest in the financial sector. My internship has shown me that a career in finance doesn't necessarily require a purely mathematical background, as many skills from my Politics and International Relations degree are transferable into this field. While I'm now confident that I want to pursue a career in finance, I'm still exploring the various roles and specialisations within this field.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

Reading has been a lifelong passion of mine. You'll often find me with a book, whether I'm at home or even at the gym. Recently, I've started sharing book reviews on LinkedIn, which has led to great recommendations and expanded my reading horizons.

In my free time, on the weekends, I also volunteer at local food banks in Birmingham and London. It's a humbling experience that helps me stay connected to my communities and meet people from all walks of life. As someone who enjoys conversation, I find these interactions particularly meaningful. Between reading, staying active at the gym, and community involvement, I try to maintain a balance of personal growth, physical health, and giving back.