Home / Career Developemnt / Alumni programme / Alumni stories / Ian Calderwood
I work in the product communications team which is responsible for articulating Invesco’s investment capabilities. In my Investment20/20 role I was an asset class generalist providing data support to the product specialists. This broad exposure helped me to understand Invesco’s product range and the nuances of tailoring communications to different asset classes and audience types. I have since moved into a permanent position as a product specialist focusing on UK equities. The Investment20/20 data role utilised my Excel and general IT skills but this new position also allows me to use my writing abilities to shape bespoke responses. I enjoy being able to influence how the firm communicates with its stakeholders and contributing to the effort of retaining and winning new business through the request for proposal (RFP) process.
The most challenging element of the data administration role was juggling ongoing client requests and regular updates at month/quarter end. I took on the responsibility of maintaining various assets under management (AUM) and personnel files across all asset classes. These are used by several business functions such as the sales and presentations teams so it is important that they are accurate and completed in a timely manner. These updates also encouraged me to interact with many teams and individuals within the company which was a great experience.
I completed a short internship with Invesco in the summer of 2015 and I was keen to return to the firm after completing my MSc. Investment20/20 gave me an ideal opportunity to pursue this. The programme has also provided a number of useful experiences such as training and networking events which have equipped us with skills and experience to help kick-start our careers.
My goals mirrored that of the Investment20/20 programme – to gain valuable experience with a view to securing a permanent position at Invesco or within the wider investment management industry. I am pleased to have achieved this and my focus is now on learning as much as possible as I work towards becoming an authority on my specialist asset class. I am also proceeding with professional qualifications, CFA level 1 being my next goal.
The programme is a fantastic platform from which to launch a career on the buy-side. It gives a diverse range of candidates the opportunity to demonstrate their value and break into a field which may otherwise be inaccessible. I am happy to report that the programme has been a success for me and I would certainly recommend exploring the opportunities available.
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