Kara Paslawska
Why do you enjoy your job?
The programme is immensely enjoyable because it offers an insight into two completely different areas of the business showing how asset management functions from different perspectives. Keeping in mind we only have six months in each role, our teams put a lot of effort into creating an environment which allows us to absorb as much knowledge as possible.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
As with any industry, a new person must take on board a lot of things. These range from quite general, like understanding the firm’s corporate structure, through confusing, for instance the ever-present acronyms, to quite silly, e.g. how to operate the coffee machines. If this was not enough, asset management allows you to dive even deeper, in observing how the firms are analysed and the investments made. The learning curve is definitely steep!
How did you get into your job?
I found out about Investment20/20 and the opportunity at Columbia Threadneedle through the SEO newsletter. After submitting my CV and cover letter, SEO was incredibly supportive with the later parts of the application process, providing help in how to prepare for the video interview and the assessment centre that followed.
What are your future aspirations?
Before starting the programme, I had very much an ‘outsider’s’ perspective of how asset management functions, but the first six months of the traineeship has immensely expanded my understanding of the industry. Having completed my first rotation, I am certain I would like to continue working in asset management and at Columbia Threadneedle. I am planning to use my second rotation to see which area of the business would match both my interests and skills.
How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?
It is a lot to take in. You meet a lot of people and learn about a vast array of things. Everyone at the firms understands the situation you are in, so there is a lot of support for the trainees. If you are a naturally curious person who wants to learn, you will certainly enjoy it.
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