A GRADUATE from Basingstoke has beaten more than 800 other hopefuls to a place on Coventry Building Society’s Graduate programme.

Olivia Slowey, 23, recently started work at the society’s head-office in Coventry, alongside 10 other successful graduates, who underwent a selection process before being accepted onto the two-year programme.

Olivia, who received a degree in religious and theological studies from Cardiff University in 2015, has joined the firm's human resources graduate scheme, will work across different areas of the business including one of the firm's 70 branches and call-centres.

She previously attended Bishop Challoner School and Queen Mary’s College in Basingstoke.

Olivia said: “What made Coventry Building Society stand out above other businesses was the focus on community and giving something back. I was really impressed that they actively encourage people to volunteer for good causes and are willing to match fundraising efforts of employees.

"I feel like I’m already developing my communication skills and style through having the opportunity to meet different people at all levels of the business. I hope that by the end of the programme I have a good understanding of the business as a whole so that I am more aware of the wider impact that my role has.”

Coventry Building Society’s director of human resources, Lucy Becque, added: “We have a range of graduate programmes on offer, with a programme to match your ambition. We have designed the programme around a set of capabilities that each individual works towards during their two years, building on their experiences and learning on the job. We would encourage those who have either graduated or are expecting to leave university in the coming months ahead, to look at our website.”