Hannah Allen

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Brooks Macdonald

Trainee in Investment Services |

School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

Within Investment Services I am currently in the Data Management Team, where our roles are to ensure the data is held and updated effectively and efficiently. My role currently focuses on the on boarding of Clients into Brooks Macdonald, updating client details and administration tasks requested from Front Office. My role is well suited to me as I have great attention for detail, and I am precise. This is seen in my role as I can use this skill to ensure the client data is as accurate and is effectively updated to give the best experience to Brooks Macdonald clients.

Since joining Brooks Macdonald, I have been given opportunities such as, being a part of project work regarding acquisitions and the on boarding process. I am able to contribute with the knowledge that I have learnt so far, as well as gain a wider scope of understanding of the business as whole. My communication skills have been useful and further developed when meeting new colleagues from other areas of the business.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

When starting the traineeship, the use of jargon and abbreviations was challenging at first as your colleagues have the knowledge and understanding of the meanings of the terminology. However, I was able to overcome this through asking questions and making notes on the key areas which would benefit me, and which I would be using daily. As I began to gain more experience, I was able to understand more behind the tasks I was completing and where the terminology was coming from.

How did you get into your job?

I joined the Investement20/20 scheme as a School leaver. I had attended several events with Investment20/20 throughout Year 13 and during half terms. Prior to an Investment20/20 event held at Brooks Macdonald I had never heard of Brooks Macdonald. During the day we discussed the opportunities Brooks Macdonald had to offer and we heard from several speakers from different functional areas of the business. The day offered me insight into the traineeship scheme as well as Brook MacDonald’s ethos and culture.

The Investment20/20 events gave me the opportunity to network and find and apply to Brooks MacDonald’s traineeship scheme which was well suited to my career aspirations. The events held by Investment20/20 really benefited me alongside my A Levels as it gave me guidance when looking for career opportunities as I did not want to go to University.

What are your future aspirations?

I have future aspirations to further develop my knowledge within asset management. I am keen to learn further how each team contributes to the whole function of the business.

Once I have a more in-depth knowledge and understand where my best skill sets lie, I will be able to understand where I want to direct my career path.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

My Investment20/20 experience has been fantastic.

The support given by Gina and the team makes the transition from school to work seamless, as well as the support from my team at Brooks Macdonald.

I am grateful for the events during year 13 helping me find the role I am in today as well as events held during the traineeship to help develop and gain insight into the industry. I am also thankful that Investment20/20 have a focus on not just developing the career paths for the trainees but also maintaining the social aspect which many believe is lost if you do not go to University.