I applied to the Future Asset Competition in September 2021. Three years later, I still reap the benefits of this decision. Here, I would like to share my experience of the competition and the after-effects it has had on my personal and professional development. 

My journey from entering the competition to completing my first year in university as a Personal Asset Foundation Scholar has been personally transformative. When I first applied I was sixteen and in my fifth year of high school. I was not exposed to the business and financial sector and never considered it a career path I could take; I had almost no knowledge, and I was never formally educated on such topics. 

So when my team and I began preparing for the first stage of the competition, I was surprised to discover just how much I enjoyed it. Working with an experienced mentor provided by Future Asset and coming together as a team to research, study and script my ideas became a passion project for me. After winning the senior category of the competition, I was invited to attend a celebration event in Edinburgh. This was my first experience with networking. 

The PAF scholarship has made a huge difference; it has enabled me to explore my career interests and has reduced my reliance on part-time work during term time, which in turn has allowed me to focus on my studies and chase my passions. I know how helpful the PAF scholarship has been for me, and I know that for many others, such an award can make a huge difference in their higher education experience.

The skills, knowledge, and network I have built since signing up for the Future Asset competition and becoming a PAF scholar have been invaluable to me, especially as someone who started out with no interest in finance and zero connections in the central belt of Scotland.
I urge anyone taking part this year to really get involved and take every opportunity afforded to you, as you never know who you might meet or where it may take you.