Let’s be real – great ideas come from seeing things from every angle. For Black History Month, we caught up with three early-career colleagues in London: Fara, Nathaniel, and Tamilore. They shared their journeys, thoughts on inclusion and how being their authentic selves has shaped their experience at UBS.

Meet the talent: Fara, Nathaniel, and Tamilore

Fara

I joined UBS two years ago as a Cyber Security Specialist through the Tech Talent Accelerator Program. After finishing school at Eton College, I skipped uni, taught myself software engineering online, bootstrapped a start-up, and eventually found my way to UBS.

- Fara

Hey! I’m a Global Markets quantitative analyst. I joined the UBS Quantitative Analysis and Development (QAD) pod after the UBS-Credit Suisse merger. My time working across Cash Equities, FX Spot and Exchange Traded Derivatives has allowed me to learn from a diverse group of practitioners and meaningfully contribute to our execution platform.

- Nathaniel

Nathaniel
Tamilore

I’m an analyst in the Private Equity Secondaries team within Global Banking. I started as a spring intern, then did a summer internship, and after ten weeks with my current team, I landed a full-time analyst role.

- Tamilore

What does Black History Month mean to you?

For Tamilore, “It’s about making sure Black contributions are visible and valued, empowering future generations to pursue their ambitions with confidence.”

For Fara, it’s a time to reflect and celebrate those who’ve shaped the society we enjoy today. “It’s about learning from the past to affirm our vision for the future and finding ways to make meaningful contributions.”

Is there a black role model who inspires you? 

Tamilore admires Usain Bolt – not just for his speed, but his discipline. “Sprinting allows little to no margin for error, yet he consistently delivered. His career is a reminder that sustained excellence demands discipline and dedication.”

Finding belonging

Fara, recalls a moment that stuck: “On my first day, I was astounded to hear my colleague pronounce my Yoruba name perfectly and discuss its meaning. It was a small detail to them, but it instantly reassured me that I was in the right place.”

Nathaniel shares that growing up in a large Nigerian family shaped his appreciation for learning through community “an environment where collaboration and authenticity become catalysts for innovation. This ethos continues to shape how I work at UBS today.”

Tamilore adds, “Working in a collaborative and supportive team makes everything more enjoyable and productive.”

first day of Fara

Mentorship makes a difference

Mentorship is huge for all three. Tamilore credits his manager for opening doors: “My line manager has been instrumental in my growth. Sharing tips, increasing my exposure and aligning opportunities with my interests.”

Nathaniel says, “I’ve grown in a space where curiosity and experimentation drive learning. Engaging with diverse perspectives has sharpened my core skills, and my manager’s mentorship – rooted in trust, clarity, and technical depth – has shaped how I build, scale, and collaborate.”

Fara shouts out Victor Viramontes, AI Crew Technical Lead in our Tech division: “Victor goes above and beyond to support junior talent. His commitment is a testament to the culture of inclusive leadership at UBS.”

Bringing your whole self to work

Fara’s story is especially powerful: “During my job search, my mum worried about my dreadlocks and earrings. She thought I wouldn’t be seen as ‘professional.’ She couldn’t have been more wrong. Since joining, every day proves that authenticity and professionalism go hand in hand.”

Making an impact beyond the office

Giving back is a common thread. Fara is active in employee resource groups and advocates for inclusion. Nathaniel mentors young people: “If I can help someone feel seen or more confident, I know I’m doing something worthwhile.” We support community initiatives that empowers employees to make a difference, inside and outside the firm.

Advice for the next generation

We wrapped up by asking what advice they’d give to someone from an underrepresented background considering a career in finance.

  • Tamilore: “Strive for excellence and let each opportunity showcase your quality.” 
  • Fara: “Do your research and go for it! Speak to experienced people from your background and learn from their journey.” 
  • Nathaniel: “One learns wisdom from other people’s wisdom, and it’s experience that makes one wise.” 

If you’re thinking about a career in finance, know this: your perspective matters. At UBS, we’re open to every angle and we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring.

Are you interested in joining our team?
Visit our job board and you may find something perfect for you. We’re committed to disability inclusion and making sure our application process is accessible for everyone. Therefore, if you need reasonable accommodation/adjustments throughout our recruitment process, you can always contact us.