How would you describe your job as an ESG Analyst?
We ensure ESG considerations are integrated into our investment processes, with a focus on assessing how a business impacts the environment and the wellbeing of its staff and the wider society. We then develop action plans to improve investee ESG credentials and monitor these to ensure successful outcomes.
This approach allows us to take on and manage more risk, rather than making us more risk averse, and demonstrate market-shaping best practices. Promoting and improving ESG standards and practices underpins BII’s licence to operate in our markets, our commercial success, and the development impact we help to create.
Did anything you studied at Uni prepare you for working life?
I studied Geography at undergrad and did some modules that provided a useful foundational understanding of sustainability and the environment. However, the softer skills you develop are more important, especially around time management, effective communication and being able to work in a team.
How did you approach your path to your job?
I came across BII (then CDC) via LinkedIn. During my job hunt I did online test practice using various platforms such as JobTestPrep and built up a bank of general interview questions and answers.
When applying for BII I used Bright Network, BII’s own website, and general internet searches to better understand the company. Developing this understanding and being able to tailor my interview responses was critical for success as this enabled me to convey my fit, my interest and my enthusiasm for the job/company.
The job hunt can be frustrating and demoralising (it was for me at times) but try you best to keep motivated and take learnings from rejections. You will start to see progress and you absolutely will get there in the end!
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
BII is a complex organisation, a key challenge early on is A) understanding what all the different teams do and how they interact to deliver on our mandate and B) navigating this during day-to-day work and being able to harness the vast experience that exists across BII.
Which skills and attributes help you work in ESG?
When assessing a company against our ESG standards, critical thinking skills are helpful. Being robust in the analysis, efficiently distilling the findings, and developing pragmatic action points that are conscious of the investees context is important.
Effective communication is also key. With others in your team to draw upon their experience, with different teams in BII to overcome unexpected challenges during the investment process, and with external stakeholders, such as senior employees of the investee company, to build trusting and collaborative working relationships.
Have any projects been memorable or made you proud to work at BII?
I have been encouraged to bring forward new ideas by drawing upon previous experience and study and have enjoyed supporting the ESG team think through how nature and biodiversity impacts our investments. This has involved engaging with teams across the business around how we think about nature-related risk in our investing process, which portfolio companies could benefit from additional support to mitigate their nature risks/impacts, and the opportunities available for us to invest in nature-based solutions.
What has surprised you about joining BII?
I have been surprised by how generous colleagues are with their time. When I have reached out, people are always keen to explain something or answer questions. This is combined with the many opportunities available to learn and take responsibility early on, such as taking an active role in client calls and presenting to senior leadership.
How do you relax?
Keeping active is very important to me. I enjoy going to the gym before work and am a regular in BII’s 6-a-side football team which plays on Tuesday evenings.