BBH’s IT graduate program offers recent college graduates a unique career development opportunity – a two-year program, rotation through four different technical roles of their choice, a chance to grow on-the-job skills and expertise within the different areas of the BBH Systems team, all while building their network. Outside of the rotational learning approach, what makes this program different is that at its conclusion, successful participants are offered a full-time position within BBH Systems.

From a BBH perspective, it’s about helping our grads get the most from their rotations, gain real-world expertise and giving them the opportunity to explore different technical avenues as they launch their careers. Our program is designed to challenge participants and help them get a better idea of where they might like to take their career in the future.

Three of our current IT graduates participating in the program - Lauren Espinal, Maxwell Lajeunesse, and Peter Gonzalez - share their experiences in the Program, what it’s like being an IT graduate at BBH, and their future plans.

Which of the technical rotations have you completed and where are you in your program?

Lauren: I have worked in Corporate Actions and Tax Systems, Infrastructure Security Technologies, and Investment Operations Systems. I’m now working with Investment Management Systems as my final rotation. During this time, I’ve primarily worked as a developer and had exposure to frontend, backend and analytical work on each rotation.

Max: To date, I’ve completed rotations in HR Business Technology, IT Vendor Management, and Secure Coding. For my final rotation, I’m working with the Infomediary Data Solutions Systems team.

Peter: I’ve worked in Fund Administration Systems, Investment Operations System, and Business Intelligence & Enterprise Reporting for my previous rotations and I am now in my fourth and final rotation, with IT Shared Services.

What has your experience in the Systems grad program been like?

Max: I’ve had a very positive experience in the program. I’ve been able to accomplish a lot during the rotations and the people I’ve met have contributed immensely to my professional growth. The variety of experiences I’ve had across my rotations has given me great insight into just how critical technology is to BBH and its future success.

How do you believe the rotational style of the program is helping to shape your career?

Lauren: As someone who didn’t have a path in mind when I graduated, I think the program has been the perfect opportunity for me to explore multiple interests. It’s also allowed me to contribute to multiple areas of the firm – which is great. Having the option to rotate has given me the chance to learn new technical skills, build my network and experience how different teams at BBH interact. With each rotation I complete, I have a broader understanding of the types of roles that interest me – but, just as importantly, it’s also helping me understand which roles are not the right fit for me – which is invaluable as I consider my future career prospects.

What advice would you give college students considering this type of opportunity?

Peter: I’d strongly recommend making the most of each rotation and optimizing the learning opportunities. This program gives you a chance to really understand what you like, while putting your experience and skills to work. After each rotation, you can confidently say that you gained tangible, real-world experience that will help you in your future career.

What did you find was the most challenging part of the program?

Lauren: The most challenging part of the program was learning how to adapt quickly to new teams and new projects. As a developer, I need to understand an application before I can contribute. As a member of the grad program, learning how each team relates to the previous in terms of the Firm’s big picture objectives is important. There were moments when it was difficult to balance these goals, but my teammates were always approachable and helpful in answering my questions. As I rotated, this support made it easier to apply what I’d learned in past rotations to the new team.

Has this program changed the way you approach or think about technology?

Max: Yes. It’s given me a look at how the financial services industry uses technology and how when used effectively, it drives virtually all areas of the firm forward.

What have you found to be the most interesting aspect or experience within the program?

Peter: I’d say it’s having the opportunity to see the different products and development tools across the Systems organization and how they relate to business goals while also playing a role in the success of the team.

Interested in being part of the Systems Graduate Program this fall? Check out our Search & Apply section for internship opportunities!