Breaking Barriers: Ben's Journey to Social Mobility at Barclays

Hi 👋 my name is Ben and I have been at Barclays since 2012 when I joined the graduate scheme. My path to social mobility has been a transformative journey, combining determination, hard work and plenty of good luck along the way. I’m currently a Wealth Manager working in the London office.

Coming from a low-income working-class family, life presented further challenges early on when my father unexpectedly passed away when I was seven. The journey towards social mobility is often fraught with obstacles. The worries and stresses that accompany a low-income household in the short term can distract you from progressing towards your long-term goals. This can make it harder to achieve academic excellence thereby obscuring the pathway through higher education and into the corporate world.

I took a significant step forward when I joined Barclays as part of their finance graduate scheme. What truly sets Barclays apart is their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity. Since day one, I have experienced a profoundly inclusive work environment where colleagues from all backgrounds are encouraged to bring their authentic experiences to work and this provided me with the comfort to be myself whilst enabling me to learn and grow from my mistakes. The company's focus on DE&I has increased over the years, fostering a collaborative culture that celebrates our unique backgrounds and perspectives.

At Barclays, I have been given the freedom and encouragement to be my true self, to take pride in my background and life journey. This is enabled by initiatives such as sharing personal stories, internal and external mentoring, and celebrating each other’s cultures. This unwavering commitment to DE&I has had a profound impact on my own journey. It provides reassurance that I can make a difference beyond my day-to-day responsibilities. By engaging in mentoring programs, both within and outside the company, I have been able to reflect on my own journey, identify factors that may have held me back and have a conversation with others about their own barriers.

To those who may face similar challenges, I encourage you not to set internal ceilings for yourself. Insecurities and doubts may arise but remember that your background does not define your potential. Seek employers that openly prioritise DE&I, and look for related initiatives and employee resource groups. During interviews, don't hesitate to ask for more information to ensure your comfort and alignment with the company's DE&I vision.

Barclays has not only enabled my professional growth but also provided me with a safe and supportive environment enabling me to progress. Thanks to this, I have been able to live a life full of experiences, outside of work, that I could only dream of whilst growing up. I have also been able to give back and provide financial support to the family members who sacrificed so much to raise me.

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