Trainee Assistant to the Global Head of Investment Review

My job role is a trainee assistant to the Global Head of Investment, here at Schroders. My everyday responsibility include setting up internal and external meeting's this allows me to meet with clients and meet with people from other company's that you wouldn't usually get to work with. I work alongside all the asset class heads to create the monthly investment reports which allows me to see the full spectrum of the company. I arrange personal and business travel alongside his personal and business events. I also look after the product healthchecks which means working alongside all the teams within the business, this allows me to be able to connect with a variety of people who all do different jobs and be able to learn a wide range of information and skills.

I am currently studying for my Claritas Certificate, which has allowed me to learn all about the investment industry and created a stepping-stone for me to continue learning more and extend my knowledge about the financial industry. As part of the Investment 2020 programme which Schroders is a part of, we are able to go on Industry insight days and we also have professional learning courses such as 'Understanding Fund Operations - Trade Simulation' which are very helpful as they again extend our knowledge. Schroders also offers many internal training course such as 'Personal Effectiveness' and 'Impact and Influence' which really help to make you feel more comfortable in the workplace and helps you develop the way that you conduct yourself around the office.

I love working at Schroders, it is such a wonderful company with an extensive cultural background that really makes the whole place feel like a family as we all work as one. My team are exceptionally friendly and introduced me to as many people as possible on my very first day. Schroders went above and beyond my expectations and I'm really enjoying it.

I feel extremely valued by Schroders, everyone is there to encourage you to move on and do more. You receive endless appreciation from your managers and team members. Your hard work never goes unnoticed and the small things that you do for everyone really do make an impact. Everyone is there to offer you help and really makes you feel involved within the company, and you definitely feel as if you are contributing to the performance of the business.

The Schroders Traineeship Programme is very well organised and structured. The 2 day induction at the beginning of the course it is a great way for us to connect with not only our other peers but also the business, instead of being thrown into the deep end we were gradually integrated into the workplace which in effect helped us feel more comfortable and confident. The offer many different learning courses that are spaced throughout the programme which allows you to continue to learn. You always have continued support from your managers, team, colleagues, L&D advisors, the traineeship coordinators and the i2020 programme teams.

We receive an unconditional amount of support from our traineeship advisors as they are always there to offer help whether you have questions about the programme itself or the work that you are currently doing. We also have support from our 'buddy' who are the previous trainees from the year before who are always there to give advice or just for a general catch-up to see how things are going.

Your manager is always there to offer any guidance or advice when it is needed. And Schroders always encourages the 'no question is a stupid question' motto as they want you to ask these questions and challenge what you are doing so that you are able to see what your influence is having within the business. You are also encouraged to seek a 'mentor' from a senior member of staff who is able to share there own personal experiences with you, which helps to give you insight it to what you can expect and how to overcome some tricky situations and the best possible ways to deal with them, every member of staff is willing to help you in any situation which really makes it such a great place to work, the atmosphere allows you to introduce yourself anyone and be able to make new connections.

The salary/package was above my expectations. It covers all my travel costs and living costs whilst also giving me enough me to go out and enjoy my social life. The extra benefits that you are allowed to explore and try out are fantastic and offer such a wide variety of options that helps you be able to cover travel costs and medical care schemes etc.

There are always external events happening at Schroders. The social events teams work endlessly to bring a variety of different activities into the business, that allow you to branch out and try some new things. Activities that Schroders get involved with are bowling, ping pong, art exhibitions, cooking classes, wine tasting etc. Schroders also works with a variety of charities and every couple of weeks there will be activities going on around in the office which allows you to get involved and show your support.

Yes

I feel that Schroders offers so much more than just a job within Asset Management, it allows you to become part of a business that works together as a family. The cultural background makes it a historical place to work and allows you to learn so much more about how the company has really progressed and it's nice to be able to see the difference people have made throughout their time here at Schroders and in effect that could possibly be you one day. The people at Schroders is another main benefit everyone is extremely friendly and always encouraging you to do and try new things. It offers so may opportunities that you don't come by often and they would definitely be a shame to miss out on.

My tips and advice would be, to be confident and be yourself. If you show that you are willing to learn and dedicated to those who are interviewing they will be able to see straight away just how compatible you are to the core values Schroders adopts. Always try your hardest to show that you are what the company is looking for and how much of an asset you will be to the business. You need to be able to answer what you can do for the company and what you will bring with you if you were to work here.