How I Built a Career in Asset Management and Became British
One of the most rewarding aspects of running my podcast, Landed, is showing people that their stories matter. Often, we underestimate our journeys, believing they’re too ordinary to share. My previous guest once said, "I thought my journey was nothing special, not worth sharing." But after witnessing how her episode resonated with listeners, she realized the impact of her experiences. It inspired her to share even more, embracing the power of her narrative.
This brings me to Episode 7’s guest, Tracy.
A Story That Almost Went Untold
Tracy is someone who keeps her life private, steering clear of social media and believing her journey was just… ordinary. But knowing her personally for years, I knew her story was worth telling. It took a bit of convincing, but when I asked her to come on the show, she agreed—on one condition: If sharing her story helps even one person, it’s worth it.
That’s precisely why I created Landed—to highlight voices like hers. To shed light on paths lesser known. To help even one person feel less alone in their journey.
Redefining Success and Overcoming Invisible Struggles
We often measure success by money, job titles, or working for famous companies. But true success is found in resilience, perseverance, and growth. Sometimes, we get so accustomed to the struggles we face that they become our normal, and we forget to celebrate how far we’ve come. Tracy’s story is a powerful reminder of this.
She moved to the UK from Vietnam just as the graduate visa was removed—a significant setback for international students. Despite completing spring weeks and internships, she didn’t receive job offers due to challenges many international students face: mindset, confidence, and adapting to a new culture at a young age.
But Tracy didn’t give up. In her final year, she leveraged every resource possible to secure a job. And her journey didn’t end there. She navigated the complex visa sponsorship process, gained permanent residency, and eventually became British. She even shed tears at her citizenship ceremony, reflecting on her long, hard-earned journey.
Feeling Stuck Abroad? You’re Not Alone
If you’re feeling stuck abroad, struggling to find work, friends, or a sense of direction, Tracy was once in your shoes. She came to the UK with a dream to find a job after graduation. But instead of battling it out alone, she strategically tapped into every possible resource to land a top finance job and UK citizenship. Today, she’s a Senior Associate in Equity Research at an Asset Management firm.
Her journey isn’t just about professional achievement. It’s about strategically building a life abroad and overcoming obstacles with determination and ingenuity. Here’s how she did it:
1. Reverse-Engineering LinkedIn
Instead of randomly applying for jobs, Tracy took a strategic approach. She reverse-engineered LinkedIn to study how others with similar backgrounds made it. She analyzed:
Where they interned
Which roles they started in
Which companies were more likely to hire international students
By following proven paths, she saved time and targeted her job search effectively, increasing her chances of success.
2. Fast-Tracking Job Applications for Free
Most graduates send out hundreds of applications, only to face rejection without an interview. Tracy bypassed this by leveraging SEO London, a charitable organization partnering with top banks and financial firms. Through SEO London, she:
Fast-tracked her applications
Gained access to industry mentors
Ensured her CV reached recruiters, avoiding the rejection pile
This strategic move gave her a competitive edge, connecting her directly with decision-makers.
3. The Power of Community
Job hunting is mentally exhausting, especially abroad. But Tracy knew the value of community. She surrounded herself with people who kept her motivated and accountable:
Study groups for exam and application prep
Mock interview partners to refine her answers
Friends with similar goals to keep her spirits high when setbacks occurred
Building a support system helped her stay resilient and focused on her goals.
4. Expanding Her Network Through Hobbies
Tracy understood the importance of networking but approached it naturally. Instead of forced networking events, she joined:
A tennis club—where she met professionals from various industries
A hiking group—connecting with like-minded people in a relaxed setting
These hobbies allowed her to:
Make friends effortlessly
Expand her professional network casually
Feel more integrated into society
This helped her build meaningful connections and feel more at home in the UK.
5. Turning Rejection into Redirection
Tracy didn’t secure her dream job right away. She faced multiple rejections, and her internships didn’t convert into full-time roles. But she didn’t give up. Instead, she:
Refined her approach by seeking feedback and improving her applications
Pivoted strategically by exploring related roles when her first choice didn’t work out
Stayed persistent, continuing to apply even when it seemed impossible
She turned every rejection into a learning opportunity, staying resilient until she achieved her goal.
Key Takeaways from Tracy’s Journey
Use free resources to fast-track your applications
Study successful people and learn from their paths
Build a strong community for emotional and strategic support
Expand your network naturally through shared interests and hobbies
Persevere through rejection, using setbacks as a redirection to new opportunities
