What’s your current role – and what does this involve?
I’m an investment associate consultant, advising several public and private sector clients, including LGPS funds and a DB master trust. I support clients with investment strategy, liability driven investment (LDI) solutions, transition management, governance and investment monitoring. Additionally, I’ve developed responsible investment frameworks with clients, which have been successfully integrated into their investment strategies. Having joined as a graduate four years ago I’m now also member of Hymans Investment Strategy group, helping to develop solutions and communications to best suit our clients’ needs.
What’s the best thing about your job — and the worst?
One of the best things about the role is the variety of work, no two days are the same and no two clients’ needs and objectives are the same, which makes the job interesting and also challenging. I also enjoy the client facing side of the job. I wouldn’t say there’s a worst part of my role. I guess there are elements to every job that might not be the most ideal at times, like delivering a piece at the last minute, but it’s all manageable and in hindsight not a bad thing.
What made you apply for a job in the pension industry?
I felt like this was a job that directly linked to my degree, with the consultancy path appealing to both my analytical side and the fact that I was also a ‘people person’.
The pension industry enabled me to learn and have exposure to a wide range of asset classes.
Where would you like to be working in 10 years time?
Ideally I’d like to see myself leading on strategic advice, developing frameworks for the clients and the firm.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Life is never a straight road, there are hurdles along those ways, those hurdles provide you with opportunities to develop and learn more about yourself, try to always find them.
What should the pensions industry be doing to attract more young people into it, and to engage younger savers?
Promoting the diverse range of asset classes that a scheme could invest in. Pensions are thought of as something you need to think about for later in your life. I think educating young people about the benefits is what it’s missing.
What was your dream job when you were at school?
A baker, owning my business.
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