Vantaggi
As is usual on GlassDoor, there seems to be a disproportionately large number of negative reviews for FDM Group. However, it is worth treating these with caution.
I recently completed the Risk, Regulation and Compliance training programme and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive. Almost without exception, the FDM trainers are industry veterans who provide valuable insight and are always happy to help. In a very short period of time, I developed significant expertise across a range of subjects.
FDM's client list is fantastic, and hard work can easily result in a career-defining placement. In my case, I interviewed with three leading investment banks and was offered an amazing job in exactly the area I wanted. To be clear, this would not have been possible without the training and connections that FDM afforded me.
The vast majority of trainees are placed within 90 days of their programme's conclusion. In my case, 6/9 of my training intake were placed within 2 weeks, and the remaining 3 are almost certain to be placed within the next month.
However, to draw attention to the headline of this review, any prospective candidate should be realistic about what they are getting themselves into:
FDM is an organisation that provides opportunities, NOT guarantees. Receiving an offer to join one of the Group's training courses does not assure you of a job at the end of the programme. By providing relevant industry training and facilitating introductions to blue-chip clients, FDM opens many doors. The most successful candidates are those that work hard to exploit these opportunities. As long as you understand this and don’t consider yourself entitled to a job, FDM will help you achieve considerable success.
Svantaggi
The pay structure is fairly uncompetitive considering the sectors that successful trainees will be working in. Furthermore, the pay structure itself is overly complicated and could easily be simplified.
One of FDM's greatest strengths could also be a weakness. The company works best for those that try hardest, those that are comfortable seeking assistance when necessary, and those with the confidence to present themselves well. If you are none of these things, you will struggle to succeed.