Sofia: Roche Diagnostics Graduate Programme
Sofia, originally from Colombia, graduated from The University of Manchester in 2022, with a BSc(Hons) in International Business, Finance, and Economics with Industrial Placement. She joined Roche Diagnostics Business Graduate Programme in 2022 and finished it in 2024. She now works as a Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) Analyst at Bazooka Candy Brands.
Did you always know you wanted to work in this sector?
At first, I was more interested in business or health economics, so I felt a bit disappointed when I found out my graduate scheme at Roche Diagnostics was actually in finance. Even though finance was an area I thoroughly understood from my degree, I didn’t really like it much. However, the Roche Diagnostics Business Graduate Programme helped me figure out my passion for analytics and gave me a vision of what I could achieve in finance. Surprisingly, even though it wasn’t my first career choice, I ended up truly enjoying it, and I now plan to continue pursuing it in the long term.
What is the structure of the scheme?
It was a 2-year graduate scheme based in Brighton. I rotated through the Tender Creation team, the Business Analysis team, and finally the Commercial Finance team. Throughout the scheme, I got involved in multiple important projects, introduced reports, trained people on different tools, became a university ambassador, travelled, represented the company at career fairs, and did many other fantastic things over those two years.
This scheme also offered me an opportunity to start CIMA (Charted Institute of Management Accountant) and become a qualified accountant. Now, I am officially part-qualified, planning to finalise my studies in the next two years. The scheme not only broadened my understanding of finance but also gave me a clear vision of what I could achieve in the field, and I’m excited to continue pursuing it in the long term.
What does a normal day look like in your current role / placement?
After finishing my grad scheme in September 2024, I chose to become an FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) Analyst at Bazooka Candy Brands, an APAX company as this role is much more aligned with what I discovered I truly enjoy—analytics. As the Regional FP&A for all our European markets, I work closely with operations and my manager on building reporting systems, dashboards, setting standards and routines, and ensuring we deliver our long-term strategy.
It is a very dynamic and fast-paced job, but it is super fun, and I learn something new every day. Working in a smaller business environment has been particularly rewarding as well, as it allows me to gain experience at a faster pace and contribute to high-impact projects that drive meaningful change.
Do you have any advice for final year students going through the recruitment process?
Use your LinkedIn properly. I think a lot of people don’t seem to like LinkedIn, but most of my interviews and my current role were all through LinkedIn. Use it properly, make your profile look good, and update it constantly—it is an amazing tool. For my current role, the application process was through a recruiter the company uses. I had an initial call with them to discuss the role, then had three rounds of interviews, with the final stage being an in-person presentation.
What advice would you give to graduates starting their first job?
If I could go back or tell myself anything before starting, it would be to make the most out of your first graduate job. Learn from everyone, get involved in every opportunity they give you, and show your skills. Don’t be afraid to take ownership. It is a time to learn a lot. I wish I had known that from the beginning, as I think I only started truly acting that way a few months into my scheme. The transition from university life to work is hard, but do give it your best shot, because 99% of the time, everything you learn in that first job will help you get an even more amazing job—one that is more tailored to what you want—once you finish your scheme.
