What's your job about?
WTW is a global firm that provides data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. I work in Investments and I’m part of the manager research team that looks into particular asset classes such as real assets (like infrastructure and real estate) and equities.
Taking the equities research component of my role as an example, I might have an external meeting to conduct WTW’s annual performance review of a fund that an asset manager runs. That involves a lot of preparation to make sure we’re identifying the right questions to ask and source the information that we require. Afterwards, I would write up a report that consolidates the asset manager’s responses with my own thoughts and then present this to the wider research team so that we can form a consensus view. It’s a collaborative approach to ensure we’re all behind the conclusions we draw, which also allows me to put forward my conclusions. Sharing that and having an open dialogue with the team – not only in Australia but with our global colleagues as well – is very exciting. I have to say, note-taking is a skill you never leave behind at uni. What I’ve been able to develop here is the right sort of note-taking – isolating what’s most important to be able to draw your conclusions.
When I think of my teenage self, my perceptions of finance were probably pretty naïve. It seemed so cut-throat and I’d heard horror stories about how junior team members were totally overworked. The reality at WTW is so different. As a graduate, my opinion is valued. I’m comfortable to pose suggestions and working on self-led projects. The initiative is valued here too – I’m not sure a lot of graduates in financial services get this kind of experience.
What's your background?
I grew up in Strathfield, in Sydney’s inner west, and went to Santa Sabina College from kindergarten right through to year 12. From there it was off to Sydney Uni where I started a Law degree but I soon discovered I didn’t want to be a lawyer and switched to Commerce. I took a semester off to travel when I was three-quarters of the way through my studies and that was really important for me to gain perspective and independence. It ‘illuminated the possible’. I visited a cousin who worked in New York, in finance, and she opened my eyes as to what I could achieve with my career. I knew I wanted to work in a field that offered me global opportunities.
My dad is a doctor and I have two brothers, but none of us wanted to follow him into medicine. We’re all in finance, including many of my extended family. One of my brothers works with a wholesale investment company for high net worth clients. He and my cousin were big influences on me because I’ve been able to see how their careers have progressed. When I decided to pursue a career in finance I wanted to work with a company that has the capability to give advice in a holistic way – and include aspects such as culture, sustainability and broader governance – things that are just as important as financial objectives. I hit the nail on the head with WTW as I don’t think I’d get that opportunity at an investment bank for example.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes – because as much as knowing all the financial aspects of my degree has been helpful, diversity of thought is a strong area that WTW focuses on. Analysts in our team come from many different backgrounds, particularly their academic backgrounds and that adds to our culture and cognitive diversity. If you were to come to the WTW team without much grounding in financial services, you initially may have some issues with the terminology, but if you are motivated and interested, nothing will stop you. WTW looks for people who are capable; the knowledge gap is filled via the experiences you have on the job.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I’d pin it down to a couple of things. You’re given a lot of autonomy here, within reason. The projects I’ve led or been involved in and being surrounded by experienced, intelligent people who are always responsive to what I’ve presented, is a huge motivator. I always wanted to explore and expand my network beyond what’s local and being able to work with a global team, while at times challenging, is both stimulating and encouraging. Sometimes when you connect with global peers it can be a bit intimidating but no one makes me feel like I don’t have a voice. There are people like our global head of portfolio strategy, Jeff Chee, who probably has better use of his time than to field questions from me but he’s approachable and has been an amazing person to learn from when I have had any concerns or questions.
What are the limitations of your job?
I also work in equities and there can be events that come out of nowhere to throw your whole day out. I find that exciting. In my manager research work, you can be on calls with the global team any time of the day or night. I don’t see that as a duty, or a waste of my time because there’s always a meaning and a purpose to those meetings. I understand that wouldn’t work for everyone. My friends still struggle to grapple with the idea of having a call at 11 pm. Three hours of after-work calls aren’t for everyone, but you block out time in your calendar the next day to make sure you’re not burning yourself out. But, to put it bluntly, this isn’t a clock in clock out role.
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