Technology Solutions Graduate Programme | Ashley Chalmers

I’ve had a varied career here and have worked with most departments and areas of the firm. At Baillie Gifford, you are encouraged to move around and experience new roles and functions. I like to push things forward and enjoy challenge, and I am delighted to have been part of such a progressive firm for this long.

I joined Baillie Gifford as a graduate trainee and since completing the programme, I have carried out many roles across software development and project delivery disciplines. I recently joined the partnership as an Operations partner. Over this period, I have also been raising two children. The firm has been supportive and flexible throughout whilst encouraging me to develop and progress.

I wear several hats within Baillie Gifford; these include tech strategy, operational strategy, and people stewardship. What they have in common is the goal of seeing the firm and its people progress and continue generating a better company for the future.

My role has a wide range of responsibilities and a unique vantage point across the business because I work on projects firmwide. I am involved in creating future digital strategies, turning those strategies into actions, and driving the action points forward. I am also a people manager for a large area, and seeing individuals progress and their confidence build through time never fails to make me happy.

As part of my role, I attend various technical and financial conferences. One notable conference is in Silicon Valley itself, where I meet with and talk to start-up companies. This allows me to explore what’s new in the marketplace to understand what the right fit for Baillie Gifford might be and also what technologies could be disruptive in the future more generally.

You don’t have to be here for ten years to get more involved in the department's strategy and development. Everyone, including our trainees, can contribute to focus groups such as our various communities of practice or our future technology estate.

Please note that any references to current teams in bios are as of the time of writing and may not reflect the current situation due to the rotational nature of the programmes.