Taylor Mckillop

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Artemis Investment Management

Trainee Performance Measurement Analyst |

Graduate

Why do you enjoy your job?

I am part of the investment performance and risk team at Artemis Investment Management where we analyse the impact of investment decisions and provide performance and risk reporting across the business. I am an analytical person who loves working with numbers and the role demands a high level of numeracy and strong analytical skills, making it a perfect fit. Being able to apply these skills to support the business is what I enjoy most about my job. No two days are the same and I am given a huge amount of responsibility. I work on a variety of projects and collaborate with many teams across the business. The people at Artemis and the culture we promote creates a great work environment. Being in a company of highly talented individuals and feeding off their experience and knowledge has helped my development immensely.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

I studied chemical engineering at university, so coming from a non-financial background with limited knowledge of the role was a challenge. My development was based on a mixture of training on the fundamentals of performance measurement and practical learning, actively doing the various tasks the role required. This approach was beneficial as it complemented my style of learning. Performance measurement is an integral part of the investment decision-making process which often involves communication with the fund managers. Communicating with such highly skilled professionals was daunting, but with experience your communication skills and confidence develops.

How did you get into your job?

I joined Artemis straight from university where I studied chemical engineering. After a few summer internships in asset management, I made the decision to focus on a career in financial services. I applied specifically to Artemis after discovering the Investment20/20 scheme through various graduate careers resources. The user-friendly application forms enabled me to concisely convey my skills and make it through to the final recruitment stages and eventually get the job offer.

What are your future aspirations?

I have embraced my role in performance measurement and I see this as a promising career path for the foreseeable future. I would love to continue working with Artemis. I am currently enrolled on the Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement (CIPM) Level I programme, which is a qualification for investment performance professionals. My aim is to complete both levels of the programme and possibly enrol on the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) programme further down the line. Artemis is extremely supportive when it comes to professional development and I am grateful for being given the opportunity to take part in the CIPM programme.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

The Investment20/20 programme has allowed me to find a role within the asset management industry that I enjoy and with a great company. Investment20/20 has remained heavily involved throughout the placement, offering many networking and educational events. I have no hesitation in recommending the scheme to anyone with an interest in the industry, regardless of their level of experience.