2024! It’s a Leap Year. What a joyous occasion – February 29 is a day that comes only once in four years and is, therefore, definitely cause for celebration.
Notwithstanding the astronomical implications of a Leap year, there is something to be said about the philosophical side of things. An occasion to be thought about every four years implies that one is already inevitably looking forward to the next leap year four years from now. So, in a sense, from a philosophical point of view, it is an act of looking ahead – into the future.
That brings us back to the present. At Fidelity, we have a program focused on the generation of the future. It is called Leap, a training program for technology graduates entering the workforce, to give them the leap forward they need into thriving corporate careers.
To mark the occasion of the Leap year with a focus on our forward-looking Leap program, we spoke to four Leap graduates from the last four years. Here is their experience of the program, in their own words.
Customer-Obsessed Learning Culture
Suman T.D., 2023 Cohort:
“At Fidelity, we don’t just care about our customers, we’re downright obsessed with them. We foster a culture of epic learning days, where every Tuesday is a new adventure for us to explore different topics, sharpen our skills, and grow in every aspect of our lives. The continuous learning here motivates me to be the best version of myself, opening my eyes to new possibilities and skills that go beyond my daily duties.
It’s a team effort, where I learn from the wisdom and experience of my colleagues, my manager, and our company’s leaders. For instance, during a recent internal hackathon, I had the opportunity to work with amazing people from different teams, who treated me as an equal and valued my ideas. This cross-team collaboration is not just a nice perk, it’s a core value of Fidelity.
Our learning culture is not restricted by any rules or norms. Here, everyone, regardless of their position or background, contributes to a creative environment where innovation flourishes. It’s a wonderful blend of collective wisdom that drives our shared success.
Joining Fidelity means joining a family where learning is not only encouraged but celebrated. It’s not just a job, it’s a joyful journey of learning, growth, and genuine connections!
Where People are Valued
P.S. Keshini, 2022 Cohort
What’s not to love about Fidelity! I’ve tried to capture some of the key highlights for me, in four succinct points – one of the many things I’ve learned from this fabulous firm.
- Fidelity Culture: I appreciate the open communication culture at Fidelity. The flat hierarchy allows for easy access to leadership, fostering a sense of inclusivity and openness. This approachable atmosphere is something I greatly value.
- Leap Training: The Leap training program at Fidelity has provided me with a robust foundation and practical experience on the technology stacks that are integral to my team’s operations. This hands-on training has been instrumental in my professional development.
- Fidelity Benefits: I am impressed by Fidelity’s commitment to employee satisfaction, demonstrated by their responsiveness to feedback on even minor details such as room temperature adjustments! Additionally, the provision of secure transportation for female employees underscores Fidelity’s dedication to employee safety. These gestures, among so many other amazing benefits at Fidelity, clearly show how much Fidelity values its employees. Truly, this is a company that walks the talk on “employees being the greatest assets”. I feel so appreciated every single day of the year.
- People at Fidelity: The welcoming and friendly nature of the people at Fidelity creates a supportive work environment. The willingness of one and all to lend a hand when needed is a testament to the collaborative spirit here. I have personally experienced this supportive culture, and it has positively impacted my work experience.
A Whirlwind of Growth
Harleen Kaur, 2021 Cohort:
My journey with Fidelity since 2021, as part of the Leap program, has been a whirlwind of growth, packed with countless opportunities, mentorship, and new friendships. Diving into a variety of projects, both within my own team and through stretch assignments across other teams, has broadened my perspectives. Beyond technical skills, the program has been instrumental in helping me weave a strong network within Fidelity and engaging me in meaningful volunteering in collaboration with the Leap Learning and Development team. It has been an enriching adventure.
An Inclusive Culture
Sruthi Sreeram, 2020 Cohort:
In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, finding a workplace that prioritizes both individual growth and equality can be a rarity. At Fidelity, fostering a holistic environment where employees can thrive and learn is at the core of our culture.
From day one, when I joined right after college, I was welcomed into an inclusive community where every voice is valued and heard. Regardless of role or experience, everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to contribute and succeed.
Very early in my career, I got a chance to interact with our senior leadership, and they were kind enough to listen to my opinions, and even conducted a special session for Leap employees at my request. Not only that, I was fortunate enough to get an opportunity to mentor other folks in our internal internship program, which not only helped increase my knowledge of various relevant technologies but also drove home the fact that peer-to-peer learning is an integral part of our value system.
At Fidelity, it’s not just about professional success. The firm provides employees a holistic environment to nurture both professional and personal well-being. As part of the Chennai Toastmasters Club at Fidelity, I have had incredible opportunities to network with people across the organization while being able to improve my public speaking skills.
In essence, the culture at Fidelity is one of empowerment, inclusivity, and continuous growth, and as the years go by, my love and respect for the firm has only increased.
Clearly, Fidelity is providing the leap for the next generation into the next orbit of our future. Cheers to this wonderful firm and the amazing opportunities for learning, growth, and immense possibilities.
