Why do you enjoy your job?
There are three main reasons why I enjoy my job.
Firstly, the fact that I am constantly learning new and interesting things. My first rotation was working as part of the MiFID project to ensure the firm was aligned with new regulatory guidelines before the deadline and it provided a chance for me to improve my project management skills and ability to communicate complex information efficiently. Working as an investments analyst I have been able to cover a whole range of asset classes and understand the key factors that underpin our investment theses. Staying on top of financial and more broadly economic news enables me to support our CIO with added insight.
Secondly, my work is valued and I am able to actively make contributions that shape the workplace through my direct role as well as additional initiatives. I have undertaken equity research for various investment teams and have relished the opportunity to carry out analysis on a range of industries. I also produce materials that show our full range of investment capabilities and develop performance commentary to highlight the strength of our investments team’s track record. As a member of Columbia Threadneedle’s volunteering committee, I actively seek opportunities to interact with young people and make them aware of the dynamic nature of the asset management industry.
Thirdly, the people. Columbia Threadneedle is a company that embraces people who align themselves with our four values of client focus, excellence, integrity and respect. Within the firm I now have amazing mentors that help me to make decisions about my career path as well as general day to day work. My colleagues are supportive (which is helpful when you are a new starter and know very little in comparison to people who have worked there for years) and I have been able to approach both senior and junior employees to gain better insight into the firm.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
My role is very varied and includes a lot of tasks that must be completed to strict deadlines so I have had to make sure that my time management is regimented. There can also be ad hoc tasks that pop up so it is important to prioritise accordingly.
How did you get into your job?
My route to Investment20/20 began with studying BSc Economics at City University and the Guildhall Faculty of Business and Law. After graduating I secured a job working for a wealth advisory firm in the UAE for a year before applying for the role at CTI.
How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?
“There are known knowns. These are things we know that we know. There are known unknowns. That is to say, there are things that we know we don’t know. But there are also unknown unknowns. There are things we don’t know we don’t know.”
– Donald Rumsfeld
My Columbia Threadneedle Investments mentor cited this Donald Rumsfeld quote after I had completed my first piece of extended research for him. He emphasised the importance of being inquisitive and searching out answers to the “known-unknowns” whilst not exhibiting over confidence about the “unknown-unknowns”, with the latter being a critical attribute of a successful investor. I feel the quote encompasses my whole Investment20/20 experience and I am grateful for a programme that gives me the opportunity to continuously expand my knowledge.
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