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Shahanaz Akther

Operational Controls Oversight Trainee |
School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

As an operational controls oversight trainee, I help my team to mitigate the risks within Aviva investors. The reason why I enjoy my job is because there is always structure to what I do during the week and not every week is ever the same! I am always given the opportunity to learn new skills and enhance any existing skills I have.

Within my job role I have learnt so many new things such as running vital reports and being able to utilise Microsoft Excel to its full potential whilst also learning how to use an online software called iCARE.

As part of my job role I am required to attend risk owner meetings. I feel that my personality fits well with this as I am a sociable person and I can meet and interact with other people from the business.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

I feel that the most challenging part of my job was adjusting to the corporate environment as it’s a complete game changer to sixth form. However, my team have been extremely friendly and welcoming and have helped me to transition well and feel part of the Aviva family!

How did you get into your job?

I started my career straight after sixth form where I studied BTEC Business Level 3 extended diploma. From undertaking this course, I developed a huge interest in finance and the investment sector. During sixth form the main option was to go university or to apply for apprenticeships on the government website.

The head of business at my school recommended Investment20/20 which had all sorts of apprenticeships and traineeships within the investment sector.

This is when I applied for several jobs and I took many psychometric and situational judgement tests, I failed quite a few but I was resilient, and I preserved and learnt from my mistakes. I was rejected quite a few times, but it built my confidence even more as I was determined to overcome my failures.

What are your future aspirations?

Currently my career plans are to continue to work in the industry and complete my IMC 1&2 qualifications. The reason why I have chosen this route rather than go to university is because the investment industry doesn’t necessitate a degree, but it does require perseverance and good work ethic which this traineeship really develops and hones.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

Investment20/20 has given me such an irreplaceable experience which I am hugely thankful for as even though I am just a trainee at Aviva Investors I am always treated equally, and my voice is always heard and Investment20/20 has helped me to transition into my role and all the opportunities afforded to me have helped make me a more well-rounded individual and it has also allowed me to build up and invaluable network of connections. I feel that’s what makes it different to all industries out there and it’s the highlight of my experience as I’ve been made to feel that I belong.

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