My name is Jasneet Grover, I’m 21 years old and currently enrolled on J.P. Morgan’s Level 6 Financial Services Degree Apprenticeship programme. I come from an Afghan Sikh background, and my journey into the world of finance has been anything but traditional.

Before starting my apprenticeship, I was in sixth form. While most of my peers were applying for university, I found the idea uninspiring. I’ve always been drawn to personal development and the dynamic nature of finance, and I wanted to explore alternative routes. Despite limited support at the time, I was determined to find a path that felt right for me.

There were plenty of moments where I felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure if I was doing the right thing. But those feelings became fuel.

The Journey

After finishing school, I knew experience would be key. I dedicated the majority of my free time to researching and applying for work placements. I took part in Deloitte’s Career Shapers programme and EY’s summer work experience week. I didn’t limit myself to finance either—I volunteered for charity work and explored sectors like law and biology. This gave me a broader perspective, and during interviews, I could give unique and well-rounded answers.

Back then, opportunities like apprenticeships didn’t receive nearly the level of support or attention they do now. There was a serious lack of guidance, and if you didn’t want to go down the university route, you were expected to figure it out on your own. That pressure was real.

I was lucky to get support from the Social Mobility Foundation. They offered webinars with industry professionals and assigned mentors I could bounce ideas off. That guidance was incredibly valuable.

In addition to this, I utilised several sites to aid my research, but one particularly useful platform was Unifrog. It provided an excellent all-in-one space for discovering programmes. Through Unifrog, I found and applied for J.P. Morgan's Financial Services programme as well as the Bank of England's Professional Economist programme.

What kept me motivated was the belief that planning ahead would give me confidence. Knowing what I wanted helped me block out distractions. I didn’t want to follow the crowd just for the sake of it—so I knew I had to go all-in on finding a programme that aligned with who I was.

Another mindset shift that helped me was seeing every rejection as a redirection. Every "no" taught me something. The key is how quickly you bounce back. The faster you can use those experiences to your advantage, the more you grow.

The Breakthrough

Eventually, my hard work paid off. I secured a place on J.P. Morgan’s Financial Services apprenticeship programme. What clicked for me was the alignment between my curiosity, ambition, and the culture of the firm. I loved the energy and the inclusive culture—it made me feel like I belonged in a place that thrived on excellence and innovation.

Walking into such a fast-paced environment was eye-opening. I expected it to be intense, but the level of urgency and precision needed was something else. Everything matters, and things move quickly—but that’s where the excitement lies. Being part of the biggest bank in the world at just 19 came with immense pressure, but instead of being overwhelmed, I felt more motivated than ever to make my mark.

One moment that really affirmed I was on the right track was being named a finalist at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards. It reminded me how far I’d come. I was also recognised by the Afghan British Foundation with a certification for my community work. These moments made me realise I was building something meaningful, not just professionally but personally too.

One of the biggest surprises for me was managing the balance between studies, work, and personal life. It requires a great level of time management and prioritisation—knowing what truly matters and making intentional choices. The ability to handle competing responsibilities effectively became a skill that shaped not just my work ethic but my entire approach to life.

Advice for Others

If you're still figuring things out, that’s okay. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Job hunting: Keep your scope wide. Explore different industries, attend events, build your CV with real experiences—even if they seem small. It all adds up.

Staying resilient: Plan your steps ahead and keep perspective. One rejection isn’t the end. Bounce back, adjust, and go again. Focus on what you can control.

Landing the job: First impressions matter. Be curious. Ask questions. Take notes. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you. And remember, confidence doesn’t come from knowing it all—it comes from being willing to learn.

If someone like me, who didn’t take the traditional path and had very limited guidance, can make it through, so can you. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Closing

I’m excited to continue my journey and aim to graduate with First Class Honours from the University of Exeter as part of this programme. More importantly, I want to keep growing and sharing what I learn along the way.

Consistency goes a long way, and you’d be surprised by the results it can bring in a short amount of time.

Jasneet Grover

Degree Apprentice- Markets Transition; J.P. Morgan

You can find out more and connect with Jasneet on LinkedIn.