Hally Nguyen

Hally Ngyuen is an investment banker for StormHarbour in Mayfair. She is also a mentor to future bankers looking to get into the financial industry. Hally is a former A Level student at NewVIc. She studied Maths, Economics, Psychology as well as an AS Level in Further Maths. She progressed to an undergraduate degree at Royal Holloway University doing a Economics degree. We caught up with Hally to find out a little more on her journey since NewVIc.

What made you apply to NewVIc?

I went to Cumberland School which is right next door to NewVIc. I remember in one of our morning assemblies we had former students attend and share their experiences at NewVIc so far. I had a very good impression of NewVIc from start, from the former students coming and talking to the school.

I was really impressed with the Honours Programme at the time. It had an outreach programme working with Pembroke, University of Oxford encouraging students from disadvantaged backgrounds to get into Russell Group universities. I was already aware that the Pembroke college only admits just over 100 undergraduates each year, from all educational backgrounds and a wide geographical area. The fact that NewVIc was working in partnership with them got me very interested.

Tell us about your journey from NewVIc to where you are now?

Whilst at the college I studied Maths, Economics, Psychology and Further Maths (AS). I had a fantastic network of support and mentoring from the teachers at NewVIc to help me prepare for interviews and writing covering letters to apply to universities.

I was on the NewVIc Honours Programme. I was able to interact with experts and lecturers in the field of economics. After college I went on to Royal Holloway, University of London to study Economics. I was awarded a bursary from the Helena Kennedy Foundation. The bursaries are available to students currently studying at an FE college or sixth form college and applying to go to university. The foundation played a huge part in my education journey.

After graduating, I secured an internship with an investment bank called Credit Suisse in Canary Wharf which was an incredible experience. I haven’t stopped working in investment banking since. I now work for StormHarbour who are an independent global markets and financial advisory investment banking firm based in Mayfair.

How did you get into the position that you are in?

This college gave me the opportunity to work in banking and I am so grateful. As a student you need to take all the support and opportunities that become available to you. NewVIc helped push me out of my comfort zone to reach my full potential. My confidence has grown and it has made me approach problems from a different angle at university and in my career in investment banking.

What are your memories of NewVIc?

I loved the bridge in the Link! It was the most memorable place where my friends and I had would gather and have social meets, revising together and just being teenagers before we all fully became adults as we completed our studies.

What is your advice for students considering NewVIc and pursuing a career like you?

NewVIc is a fantastic college and there are a lot of resources on offer to help students to achieve their potential. I’m going to use an economic concept here, the 80/20 rule. The bulk of the hard work is down to you to be organised and prepared for your exams. The 20 percent is for guidance and tools you get; it won’t work unless you pull your weight.

If finance is your passion, I suggest you to speak to many people in the industry. Ask your teachers, you’d be amazed what they know outside of college. I am currently mentoring a NewVIc alumnus who is keen to get into the finance industry. Overall the college is a really friendly place to be; everyone is very helpful and offers a really good learning experience.

How did you find the teaching at NewVIc? Did it prepare you for your next educational step?

I had great teachers in all of my subjects and they were truly inspiring. I wish I had more time with them to be honest! I felt I could get much more from them than just text books.

What were your next steps after leaving college?

Going to Royal Holloway, University of London to study a degree in economics.

How would you describe yourself before you came to NewVIc?

I was a very young girl with big ambitions!

What are your future plans?

I plan to continue working in the finance industry, continue mentoring future bankers and those who wish to incorporate financial knowledge in everyday life.