What’s your current role – and what does it involve?
I’m a client relationship associate at Trafalgar House. I work closely with trustees and scheme sponsors to help run the administration side of their pension schemes. That includes everything from overseeing service delivery to supporting governance meetings, managing projects, and keeping things moving behind the scenes.
The role is broad and hands-on. One week I might be coordinating a piece of member communications, the next I’m helping deliver a scheme change or preparing for a transition. There’s a lot to think about, a lot to stay on top of, but that’s what keeps it interesting.
What’s the best and worst thing about your job?
The best part is the variety. No two days are the same and no two clients are the same. I enjoy switching between technical detail, people-focused work, and the more commercial side of the job.
You’re always learning, always exposed to something new. I thoroughly enjoy building relationships with clients and peers and picking up key tips along the process.
The toughest part? Probably the pace. There’s a constant mix of business-as-usual, ad hoc challenges, and longer-term planning, so prioritising well is essential to ensure you are staying on top and meeting key deadlines.But when it all comes together, especially on a complex piece of work or a demanding relationship, it’s hugely rewarding.
Why did you apply for a role in the pensions industry?
Honestly, I didn’t set out to work in pensions, it was suggested by a family member. I started in admin and gradually took on more responsibility and I discovered I really enjoyed it. As I progressed, I began to see the depth of the industry that isn’t always obvious. I want to keep developing the skills that make me a trusted partner to clients. Someone who knows the detail, but also stays calm under pressure and can provide a clear, measured perspective when it matters most.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
‘Don’t just turn up, turn up prepared.’ It’s stuck with me. Knowing your stuff, doing the legwork in advance – it makes a huge difference, and people notice.
How can the industry attract more younger people?
We need to talk about the scale and complexity of the work. Pensions touches law, finance, governance, communications, technology and it’s evolving fast. It’s a sector that offers progression and real responsibility early on, especially in roles like mine. There is a wide range of career paths available and it’s far from boring!
What was your dream job when you were at school?
I used to be a bit football-obsessed, not just watching the game, but diving into the statistics and metrics behind it. I loved studying the analysis and imagining myself working behind the scenes figuring out what was going right, what was going wrong, and what could be done to improve. That same mindset has carried into my pensions career. I still follow football closely, but these days I get my buzz from seeing a well-planned project land on time.
