Why do you enjoy your job?
I’m an Independent Risk Support Executive in the EMEA division of Global Corporate Risk, based in Henley-on-Thames. My role is to support both Operational and Investment Risk teams, meaning my work can be quite broad: it ranges from supporting the business’ internal incident management process, to providing analytics, maintaining our databases, and being gatekeeper for key departmental inboxes.
Working in Risk, I can’t imagine a better place to begin within Asset Management. On a daily basis, I’m exposed to a diverse cross-section of the business; I could be investigating a front-office related incident in the morning, and by the afternoon producing a report to distribute to the heads of our global distribution function. As such, I’m being able to develop a holistic understanding of Invesco, our industry, and how we are able to deliver a superior investment experience to our clients.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
Everyone’s challenges will be different. For me personally, it’s been adapting to corporate culture. I’ve held a number of jobs since I was thirteen and I consistently worked while in education, so no stranger to work. All of this, however, has been working for small, family-owned businesses. Furthermore, much of this was spent in labour-oriented roles, retail, or nightclubs – a pretty far stretch from Invesco!
At first, I struggled with being sat at a desk all day; now, I try to walk at lunch when I can and make sure I take breaks. Organising myself by Outlook was a completely new experience, which I am now far more comfortable with. In my experience, also, everyone does seem to be surprised with how intense a nine-to-five, full-time job actually is – fortunately, with a company like Invesco, there’s always the support needed to help you acclimatise. Six months in now, everything feels like it is fitting into place.
How did you get into your job?
I studied for my bachelor’s degree at the University of Southampton, where I read Politics & International Relations (BSc). I knew that my degree could be applicable to Asset Management (though, being honest, I had no idea what it really was at the time) and so I applied, as many graduates do, to a range of industries and roles. Invesco e-mailed me the day after I applied, inviting me to an assessment centre the following day. I was offered the job – now I’m here!
I’m indebted to Investment20/20 for really propelling me into the industry: I’ve got a rewarding job; a clear progression path; I’m constantly learning and paid to get qualified; I’ve attended exclusive talks with top-tier speakers; and have a great community with the other trainees. This last point has always been really important in deciding where I want to work, so I’m delighted that I’ve got this opportunity to build my career on such solid foundations.
What are your future aspirations?
I’m still learning and having new experiences! A lot could change between now and when my contract with Invesco ends – I’m in no rush and excited for the future may bring.
How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?
Investment20/20 is a steep learning-curve. For me, challenge is synonymous with reward; on the scheme you get a healthy amount of both.
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