I work in the Manager Research (otherwise known as 'investment fund research' or 'fund research') team for an independent investment consultancy. My role involves working with investment teams at asset management firms (such as BlackRock or Schroders), where I analyse investment fund data and market information, to form a view on their investment fund offering. This is so we can provide our clients (a mixture of corporate and local government pension schemes, insurance companies, wealth management firms, endowments, charities and foundations) with appropriate investment advice. Another core part of my role is to drive change by researching environmental and/or social impact investment funds. One particular project I worked on was helping create the London CIV renewables investment fund (a fund investing in renewables at over £600m). Another part of my role is promoting diversity and inclusion across the investment industry, through research surveys and speaking at industry events.

How has your career developed since graduating from the University of Birmingham?

I left Birmingham feeling lucky to have learnt from some of the best lecturers, making incredible friends and learning more about myself. But I had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do as a career! I found a local part-time job and applied to lots of graduate schemes (as well as enduring lots of rejections!). I was eventually accepted as a trainee at a company called Henderson. During my first few years in the industry I worked across product management, investment oversight and client facing roles, as well as completing the IMC and CFA exams before joining my current investment fund research role. Birmingham gave me the skills to be confident and not be afraid to fail. I pushed myself to always ask questions and better myself, which led me to self-fund my professional qualification.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

This is an easy one - the people. When I first visited the campus, I was struck by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. The campus was beautiful and one of my first thoughts was, 'I would love to come to university here so my grandparents can see'.

What are your fondest memories of the university?

Knocking on the door of the most fabulous tutor (Simon Goodwin), as well as other brilliant lecturers too, and asking loads of really obvious questions but feeling completely safe to do so. Fab on a Saturday night in final year, mainly just to see people/have a break from studying! Having access to an amazing range of different societies and joining whatever I could. Making incredible friends, who I'm still very close with now!

What advice would you give to current students studying on your degree programme?

Ask questions and take advantage of all the experts available to you!