As the spring semester begins, getting back into an academic mindset can be tough. One way to ease back in is by watching HBO’s Industry, created by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay. Set at a top London investment bank, the series follows recent graduates competing for full-time positions during a brutal, six-month trial period.
Their experience is similar to what many Bentley students may encounter in the future while trying to break into the high-pressure world of finance. Instead of watching solely for entertainment, I suggest thinking about which characters you most relate to — and what you would do in their situations.
I’ll keep spoilers to a minimum, but allow me to share a few details about the other characters. As you read, consider which traits, if any, you see in yourself.
How far are you willing to push yourself to succeed? Hari Dhar lives and breathes investment banking, sacrificing his mental and physical well-being to prove his worth. He consistently exceeds expectations, driven by the fear of failure and the need to belong.
If you come from money and benefit from privilege without fully realizing it, you might relate to Yasmin Kara-Hanai. While her intentions are good, she comes short on her skills, needing time to truly understand the industry.
Gus Sackey also a character who comes from wealth, struggles differently. As someone constantly viewed as a “token,” he faces pressure fromboth his workplace and his family. His journey is less about banking and more about identity and discovering what he actually wants.
New to investment banking and desperate to fit in, Robert Spearing mirrors those who follows company culture to prove they belong, even if it goes against their values. His character raises an important question: are the rewards of banking meaningful, or are they just temporary highs?
Lastly, there is Harper Stern, who is fiercely ambitious, sometimes too much. Willing to betray colleagues and friends to get ahead, she embodies a drive so rarely seen. With this character a question of work life balance is brought into play.
I identify most with Robert and Gus as they are both navigating the finance world all while trying to discover themselves and what type of work fulfills them and gives their life meaning.
So, who does Bentley produce? There isn’t one clear answer. Bentley students are more likely a mix between Hari’s work ethic, Robert’s adaptability, and Yasmin’s access to opportunity. While a true Harper Stern may be rare, a Gus Sackey could emerge, even if they don’t realize it until later.
HBO’s Industry offers an entertaining lens into a world otherwise unattractive. With drive, privilege, and identity being key points. Making it theperfect watch as the semester begins. If you haven’t started it yet, now’s the time!
