Robin Harding, the Asia Editor of The Financial Times, challenges the notion that university is solely about self-discovery. In a recent discussion, he shared insights from his own experience at Cambridge University, where he initially felt overwhelmed and uncertain about his future. Harding’s reflections provide a refreshing perspective on the pressures many students face during their university years.
Arriving at Clare College in 1997 to study Social and Political Sciences, Harding described himself as “a shy and unworldly kid.” This candid observation resonates with many who embark on their university journey, often feeling the weight of expectation to emerge as fully formed adults. He noted, “I was quite overwhelmed by it all,” a sentiment echoed by fellow journalist Gillian Tett, his former boss at The Financial Times.
Harding, raised in Durham by two academics, had a strong intellectual foundation. His mother served as the Keeper of Oriental Books at Oxford University, while his father was a professor of Archaeology. Despite this background, Harding highlights the reality of university life beyond the prestigious reputation. “I read a lot. I probably drank more than was good for me […] I made great friends, lifelong ones,” he said, downplaying the pressure to have everything figured out.
He emphasized that many students share similar experiences of confusion. “A good half of everyone is sort of fairly bewildered, and just trying to find our way through, but that’s fine,” he explained. This shared uncertainty is part of the learning process, which often shapes individuals into the people they aspire to be.
After graduating in 2000, Harding followed a conventional path for a Cambridge economist, engaging in internships and graduate schemes in investment banking. However, he quickly became disillusioned with the finance industry. “It’s quite disillusioning when you encounter the reality of finance,” he admitted. While the industry was filled with talented individuals, he found that the way financial institutions operated often did not align with the interests of their clients.
Despite the allure of finance, Harding’s experiences, such as an extravagant internship at Merrill Lynch, did not provide him with a sense of purpose. “I didn’t find meaning in it,” he confessed. Following this realization, he pivoted to a public policy think tank and pursued a Master’s degree in Japan, which further broadened his horizons.
A significant turning point came when he applied for the Peter Martin Fellowship, named after the late Deputy Editor of The Financial Times. Although a stable banking career promised financial security, Harding chose to leave his job and take the opportunity. “It was a big career change, but the risk wasn’t as reckless as one may think,” he stated, reflecting on his decision.
Harding’s foray into journalism proved rewarding. “On day one, as an intern, I wrote an editorial for the FT that was published the next day […] and it completely blew my mind.” His diverse experiences in economics, finance, and public policy converged to equip him for his role in journalism.
Ultimately, Harding’s journey underscores the importance of embracing the uncertainties of university life. He encourages students to focus on personal growth rather than the pressure to achieve immediate success. “Our time as an undergraduate is about starting the long, meandering work of moulding ourselves into someone we can grow into – someone we can be proud of,” he concluded.
His story serves as a reminder that the path to a fulfilling career is often nonlinear, filled with unexpected turns that contribute to personal and professional development.
