Development Beyond Learning and Fidelity International created a world-class onboarding experience to bridge the gap between formal education and workplace readiness.
In a financial services landscape marked by rapid digitalisation and changing workforce expectations, Fidelity International (Fidelity) recognised an opportunity to evolve their graduate onboarding approach.
With a diverse early talent population joining across the UK, India, and China, they wanted to create an experience that would both resonate with Gen Z and align with their corporate values of being brave, curious, compassionate and bold.
Fidelity identified some unique pressures in developing their early talent:
- The need for both technical excellence and strong behavioural skills
- A growing emphasis on sustainability and ethical leadership
- The increasing importance of global collaboration in a hybrid world
Working with early-career L&D specialist, Development Beyond Learning (DBL), Fidelity co-developed an engaging and humanistic onboarding programme.
This was centred on two foundational elements: Growth mindset and self-awareness, kick-starting a continuous learning journey with quarterly workshops covering change, sustainability, influencing and leadership.
This partnership aimed to create world-class, differentiated learning experiences that would bridge the gap between formal education and workplace readiness.
Key programme elements
There were three main elements to the programme. They included:
- Building emotional intelligence
The programme prioritised behavioural skills development through:
- Interactive sessions exploring personal and professional growth
- Real-world application of Fidelity’s global business values
- Tools for building sustainable workplace relationships
- Bringing learning to life
The programme encouraged participants to learn collaboratively on organisational challenges with:
- Cross-regional collaboration opportunities
- Practical workplace scenarios
- Structured peer learning experiences
- Global impact with local relevance
The programme delivered consistent excellence across regions while adapting to local needs by leveraging:
- Face-to-face and virtual delivery options
- Culturally nuanced content
- Global networking opportunities
Results
The 2024 results demonstrated exceptional outcomes:
Engagement metrics:
- 94% learning effectiveness rating
- 97% trainer engagement score
- 93% successful skill application in role
The overall Net Promoter Score of 72 puts the global average significantly above the industry benchmark of 30.
Business impact:
- 11-point increase above Fidelity's engagement benchmark
- Intern-to-graduate conversion rate up from 16% to 25%
- Contributing to Fidelity's recognition among Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality
“The programme helped me understand how to navigate challenges while staying true to Fidelity's values." - UK graduate
"I learned practical tools for building relationships across global teams." - India graduate
"The growth mindset sessions changed how I approach workplace challenges." - Dalian graduate
What made it work?
- Strategic alignment
The programme directly supported Fidelity's workforce goals:
- Enhanced employee engagement
- Accelerated leadership development
- Strengthened global collaboration
- Focus on future skills
Each session developed capabilities crucial for ongoing success:
- Adaptability and resilience
- Cross-cultural communication
- Ethical decision-making
- Sustainable impact
The programme embedded long-term success factors:
- Regular feedback and refinement
- Clear links to career progression
- Support for DEI initiatives
Looking ahead
Building on this success, future developments will focus on:
- Enhanced sustainability integration
- Expanded global networking opportunities
- Deeper alignment with Fidelity's environmental, social and governance goals
As a global investment business responsible for over $700 billion in client assets, Fidelity understands that excellence in graduate development requires a sophisticated blend of elements.
Fidelity utilises the Eli platform to support programme delivery and DBL's expertly crafted behavioural skills modules deliver transformative impact with an engaging and fun approach. This is all supported by Fidelity's deep commitment to development and an inclusive culture that encourages early talent to thrive.
This powerful combination of technology, learning expertise and organisational values has created a foundation for sustainable graduate success.
For early talent managers in financial services, Fidelity's experience demonstrates how focusing on emotional intelligence and practical workplace skills can drive both individual and organisational success. As one graduate noted, "This programme didn't just prepare us for our first role – it gave us tools for our entire career."
Through partnership with DBL, Fidelity has created an onboarding experience that authentically connects with Generation Z while delivering measurable business impact and supporting their sustainability goals.
You can hear more from Development Beyond Learning at this year’s ISE Student Development Conference where they will explore building human skills in early talent.