Tell us a little bit about yourself?
I joined Rathbones in September 2022, on the Investment Management Graduate scheme in London, having graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a joint degree in Philosophy and Theology.
I have always been interested in financial markets, and how they navigate the world around us.
As a critical thinker and keen problem-solver, I felt that a career in Investment Management, at Rathbones, would bode well for me; given the exposure to investment research (of companies as well as geographies), and the investigation of how decisions are made, and developed into strategies. Fundamentally, there is a clear focus on the importance of building strong client relationships, through servicing their individual financial needs and objectives over the long-term.
What inspired you to apply for a role in Wealth Management?
I interned at the Fundsmith Equity Fund, over two summers (whilst at university), and thoroughly enjoyed working with both the Sales and Research teams. It inspired me to learn more about investments, not only from Terry Smith, but the likes of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. Their investment strategies and thought processes were what drew me into the world of investment management.
I particularly enjoy and have gained experience in a variety of client-facing roles, such as leading a team during the Wimbledon Championships as a supervisor in a corporate hospitality restaurant, as well as building bespoke Christmas Hampers at Fortnum and Mason. The central client focus and the idea of being able help individuals grow their investments, to support them in retirement, for example, appealed to me greatly.
What’s your favourite part of your role?
Working at Rathbones does give me an immense sense of pride, and I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities that I have had on the Graduate scheme. By rotating through several different departments across the Rathbones Group, I was able to build my own professional network, and to experience first-hand how each area of the business functions, and how they are interlinked. I was truly able to understand the ‘one Rathbones’ vision and made connections that will undoubtedly help me in my future career as an Investment Manager.
In terms of the role specifically, beyond the Graduate scheme, I would say that whilst there is continuity in the majority of what we do, I most enjoy the fact that every day brings variety, and every client is unique, with their own financial goals and aspirations.
What does a typical day look like for you?
7:30 am: I arrive in the office and read the latest news, Bloomberg’s ‘5 things to start your day’, and comments from our Head of Fixed Income on the bond markets.
8 am: UK stock market opens, and I scan my personal watchlist, containing companies I am particularly interested in.
8.30 am: I dial in to the Rathbones Morning Meeting, where macro-news and key company results are highlighted by our Research team.
9 am: I assemble relevant meeting packs and review the performance of the portfolios in question, in preparation for client meetings happening during the week, as well as reply to individual emails from clients, or advisers on market commentary.
10 am – 11.30 am: I attend a client meeting with an Investment Manager/Investment Director. I am responsible for taking the minutes, writing up the client’s mandate, or processing any action points from the meeting. I also draft a follow-up letter for the client to confirm all that was discussed.
After I have completed these tasks, as well as addressing some work for the Next Generation Investment Manager Network, I take a break for lunch.
1 pm – 2 pm: Lunch – usually with peers from the team/friends in the industry.
2 pm: Investment admin – I use this time to stay on top of the portfolios and individual holdings, helping the Investment Manager and Investment Director with trading, and make sure that when each decision is made, I am aware of the rationale behind it.
4 – 5 pm: I prepare for the following day regarding meetings and other tasks, leaving my inbox as tidy as it can be for the following day.
5.30 pm: Work social, or home for exam revision!
What’s the working culture like at Rathbones?
The working culture at Rathbones is one that focuses on guiding those in their early careers, and I have felt incredibly well supported in my first two-years in the industry. There is a real collegiate, family feel to the company, and I am grateful to the team that I am now a part of.
Graduate Investment Managers are encouraged to take part in and attend a number of firm-wide activities, summer parties, Christmas team lunches, as well as internal, and external Networking events. I currently co-Chair the Next Generation Investment Manager Network at Rathbones, whereby we encourage those in their early careers to come together and learn from each other, as well as to hear from senior Investment Managers and Directors on their experiences. I am a proud volunteer of GAIN UK (Girls Are Investors) and am a member of Women in Asset Management. By my affiliation with these groups, I am able to attend events where I meet a number of different people in the industry, or speak to those still in education, who are interested in the role of an investment manager.
There is a prominent focus on mentorship at Rathbones, and I have two mentors as well as a mentee. The initiative is an extremely valuable tool, which looks to address individual questions and learning needs of individuals, in order to reach their full potential.
What would be your advice to someone considering applying?
I would encourage anyone who has a genuine interest in financial markets, with a flair for reading and willingness to learn, to apply for the role. Even though my internships were closely related to the role, there are plenty of different skills that can be applied to this position, from a variety of different experiences. If you enjoy speaking to people and would like to develop your analytical skills, then this role provides you with the perfect opportunity.
If you are able to grasp technicalities, apply arithmetic skills, and be flexible and open-minded in your approach to tasks, then this Graduate scheme is for you. It is true that every day you learn something new, and the role of an Investment Manager brings this to life; it is all about embracing and accepting the challenge. It encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and develop the confidence to build on your own investment ideas, absorbing as much information as you can from all available resources.