From Starting Pistol to Finish Line: How add-victor Supports Your Career Transition
Beginning of 2025, we had taken time to analyse feedback received over the past two years from our alumni: successful placements who transitioned into new careers through add-victor.
Looking at all the placement questionnaires received, across all backgrounds (amateur, semi-, full-professional sports, or military services), one message stands out: our personalised approach transforms apprehension into excitement and makes career transitions smoother, more efficient, and more rewarding.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, a professional athlete looking for your next step, or a veteran transitioning into civilian work, we’re with you from start to finish.
Here’s what our alumni had to say:
READY: Finding the Right Fit with Industry Expertise
At add-victor, we don’t just find jobs; we match candidates with roles that align with their skills, ambitions, and passions. Over the years, we’ve expanded into 12+ sectors and worked with exciting companies, ensuring a broad spectrum of opportunities.
Clio Duerr del Rio, a semi-professional skier and Imperial College London 1st team tennis player, placed with the cutting-edge AI tech company, Luminance, reported: “add-victor did an excellent job of matching me with a role that aligns with who I am”.
“I didn’t even know these sectors existed, let alone that I’d be a good fit!”, said Elizabeth Adam, full international rugby player, World 7s Series silver medalist, Loughborough graduate, now taking on Equities Trading at Nomura.
Through our specialised industry knowledge, we’ve helped candidates like Henry Kelly (rugby) and Louis Gittens (hockey to banking with Santander UK) secure their “dream career” opportunities: “add-victor were so incredibly influential and helpful in finding my dream job”, shared Louis Gittens. Olympian rower George Rossiter described the doors we opened for him as “incredibly exciting opportunities that I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise.”
SET: Preparing for Success with One-on-One Support
Sandhya Balakrishnan, GB Taekwondo fighter who entered the investment banking word with an internship at Numis, recognised as “unique to add-victor”, the personalised, “1-1 guidance approach which I haven’t received from any other organisations”.
“From my first call with Steve, I knew I was in good hands”, said Tom Richards, international squash player ranked World Number 12 at his peak and placed in Asset Management within the 2022 EMEA BlackRock Military & Athlete Transition Programme.
The add-victor tailored preparation includes:
✔ Sector insights: sector advice given early on, helping candidates understand job market trends and career pathways
Olympia Aldersey, rowing Olympian who we placed with Nomura in 2024, similarly celebrated add-victor’s sustained guidance: “from the very beginning, they were transparent and genuinely invested in helping me find the right opportunity. They really went above and beyond to make sure I felt informed and confident every step of the way”.
- ✔ Interview prep: personalised coaching and employer insights to ensure confidence
“add-victor’s comprehensive notes on the hiring process gave me an edge in interviews.” – Kate Lally, 20 years of semi-pro ballet dancer to Relationship Manager with Santander UK.
Elsje Dijkstra, age-group international in sailing, placed at Luminance remembered the support: “whether it be advising on what to prepare or calling me before and after each interview to see how it went or how I was feeling”.
Our broad network also lets us connect candidates to others who have had similar experiences. Teddy Leatherbarrow, former rugby union age-group international, now Assistant Relationship at Santander UK, noted that this “gave me a unique edge going into interviews”.
- ✔ Dual-career flexibility: matching roles that accommodate continued sporting commitments.
“Finding a finance role that lets me still compete internationally is extremely rare. I’m so grateful to add-victor for making it happen”, shared Sophie Drakeford-Lewis, an international netball player who landed a part-time position in Corporate Banking at Santander, while playing professional netball for Surrey Storm and England.
Transforming the application and interview process from intimidating and arduous to stress-free and enjoyable. Sheil Kotecha, professional tennis player to Asset Manager matched with Novellus, commented that the recruitment process was significantly “more enjoyable to go through than most other companies which often lack transparency or a reliable point of contact”.
GO: Securing Careers & Long-Term Success
Our results speak for themselves:
- 700+ successful placements since 2012
- 57% of candidates submitted get an interview
- 3% retention rate in the first two years
For some, success comes fast: Jemma Tully, a former international swimmer from California State University, landed her job within a week as an Account Executive at Luminance. Tom Hetherington, avid ski instructor and former college football captain, secured his role As Account Executive at Luminance within two weeks.
Keen university dancer, Rhea Sampat, thanked us for helping her find “a fantastic job” in FinTech, as an Analyst at PrismFP in New York, and more importantly, for being “a trusted partner by my side” throughout the job search process.
Similarly, Kristian Bevan, former Loughborough rower and avid hiker and canoyoner, placed as Research Analyst at Mactavish, lauded our “high level of service from application to post-acceptance”.
Even after placement, we check in regularly to ensure long-term success: “most importantly, add-victor followed up to ensure I was getting the most out of my role, that’s a real point of difference.” – George Watkins, Rugby Union Pro
Seeing our candidates achieve in their new careers is just as important to us as helping them secure their dream positions, and we pride ourselves on keeping regular contact with all those we have worked with previously. Our alumni testify to our consistent and genuine support throughout all phases of job seeking and acquisition, and we are excited to see where else their new careers take them, often around a beer after work.
Your Next Move Starts Today
Our alumni prove that a successful transition is not just possible, it’s guaranteed with the right support. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, sign up to add-victor today.
Olivia Griffiths