I am part of the product development team at WisdomTree, a global asset manager. WisdomTree primarily offers investment funds, structured as exchange-traded products. Our funds enable investors to invest in differentiated strategies in equities, fixed income, commodities, or even cryptocurrencies. As an associate director, my role is to take on ideas for new investment funds and drive the development towards an investable product. On a day-to-day basis, this means a lot of different tasks. On a typical day, I stay up to date with the latest market developments, analyzing what’s new in the industry, and which funds are currently most successful. I speak with traders or lawyers about the structuring of new strategies and how we can offer the most competitive product. We also oftentimes meet potential investors to pitch our latest ideas and collect feedback. The best thing about the job is that every project is novel and therefore poses new challenges. Thus, every day is different, too. 

How has your career developed since graduating?

I believe that graduating from the University of Birmingham has turbo-charged my career. Before enrolling in the master's program, I oftentimes had the feeling of ‘falling on deaf ears’ when applying for jobs. Originally, I am from Germany and planned to go back home after my studies but the experience of studying in Birmingham has convinced me to stay in the UK for a bit longer where I feel that I have better career opportunities. Right after graduating, I found a position in London at Nasdaq, a global financial technology company most known for its US stock exchange. During three years at Nasdaq, working in the index research & development team, I  learned essential skills and expanded my professional network through meeting clients, traveling, and conferences. Finally, I’ve been able to make the leap into asset management which is a very competitive space. I had to remain patient and took the opportunity when it came.

Why did you originally apply to Birmingham?

Studying in the UK has always been a dream for me. During high school in Germany I had a great English teacher who sparked my interest in the English culture and language. After completing my bachelor’s in Mathematics at the University of Cologne, and a few years of working in Frankfurt am Main, I was looking for a well-designed master's program in financial mathematics. The Financial Engineering program at the University of Birmingham convinced me because it combined mathematical theory with applied skills such as programming. I studied at the School of Mathematics, where I immediately felt at home, despite being in another country. The program was also dense and ambitious, packing everything in just one year, which was exactly what I was looking for. Furthermore, the University has an excellent reputation abroad, being a red-brick university and part of the Russell Group.

What are your fondest memories of the university?

What comes immediately to my mind is that I made some good friends during my studies. I lived in the student village, right next to the campus and there are a lot of fond memories. To name just a few: late evenings studying in the library with my classmates, playing football for the Math Societies’ team, discussing the latest lectures over a cold drink in Joe’s Bar, or some nights out in Selly Oak.

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

Team up! Studying can be very hard and lonely sometimes, especially, when being abroad. It becomes much easier when you have a few friends in your class who support you. I found the fresher’s week very helpful, where a lot of organized events happen to make sure that you meet your classmates before the studies begin. Make sure not to miss it! Also, make use of the vast offerings of the University to stay connected. You can find almost every sport offered such as football, volleyball, running, or societies catering to any other interests.