Trainee Client Executive Review

Job title: Client executive Daily tasks: My daily tasks vary from day to day, however the main bulk of the work I do is handling any UK Pension Fund client queries. This ranges from simple fund valuation statements, to putting together quarterly investment reports that are due to be sent out. Due to the nature of my role, I interact with a wide variety of people across the business (investment/product desks, operations, marketing, business development etc.).

Qualifications: CFA Investment Foundations (expected completion date May 2017). The training that has been provided internally at Schroders has been great. Learning relevant, job-specific skills from industry professionals has allowed me to gain a better grasp of the Asset Management industry. However, the most impressive training would have to be the external training Schroders provides. This covers everything from business writing, time management and even presentation skills. This has given me the tools required to become more effective within the work place.

The company culture is something that has really stood out to me the most. Everyone at Schroders - regardless of job title/role, is willing to take time out to help you learn. The team that I personally am in are great. There is definitely a feeling of "team work" as such and it has made my experience at Schroders far more enjoyable as a result. It has exceeded my expectations ten fold.

I would say I feel valued by Schroders from the involvement of all types of work and projects that are not within my job description/day-to-day role. Not once have I felt excluded by being a trainee. I have monthly meetings with both managers to see how I am getting on and if I have any concerns to raise. There is also regular conversations in relation to the next steps in my career, making me feel like a member of the team.

I would say that the programme is organised well. The induction days prior to starting allowed us as trainees to settle in and feel prepared for the roles we were about to start. At the start of the programme we were also allocated a "buddy", to whom you could meet with to voice any concerns or if you had any questions. I found this a great help.

The level of support Schroders offers to their employees - and trainees, is impressive. There are regular free seminars that you can attend ranging from dealing with stress, money management, stopping smoking etc. The general attitude at Schroders is that their employees are their most valuable asset, and as a result means the support and guidance available is fantastic. Any issues you may have will be addressed and dealt with on a confidential and professional basis.

The level of support Schroders offers to their employees - and trainees, is impressive. There are regular free seminars that you can attend ranging from dealing with stress, money management, stopping smoking etc. The general attitude at Schroders is that their employees are their most valuable asset, and as a result means the support and guidance available is fantastic. Any issues you may have will be addressed and dealt with on a confidential and professional basis.

The salary that I receive has been more than enough to live on and has meant that I can also enjoy working in central London as if I were a full-time employee. It covered my travel costs easily, with Schroders offering season ticket loans to help those who require it. The daily costs were also alleviated by the in-house canteen which is affordable, meaning you don't have to spend a fortune on lunch. I have been able to pay for all my necessities and still have money left to spend on social occasions with friends which has been great.

Since starting at Schroders I have become a volunteer for a charity called "Magic Me" which helps out dementia suffers at their care homes. Prior to my employment I had never even thought about charity work but now I help out regularly. Schroder advertises and promotes a huge amount of charity work and there are so many chances to help out. There is an onsite gym offering classes to employees daily meaning you can get involved with other employees and build a strong network internally whilst also keeping fit.

Yes

If you are looking for somewhere where they are genuinely interested in your career development, and will help you find out the areas you're good at whilst supporting you along the way then Schroders is definitely the place to work. They have great opportunities internally, whilst ensuring your day-to-day role isn't your typical, boring 9-5. I would highly recommend working here.

Tips: Try and find out a little bit about what Schroders do as a business and how it works. Get your application process done sooner rather than later, as it will put less pressure on you when applying. Typically it is an online application, then a video interview and finally an assessment centre/interviews face-to-face. Just be yourself and be enthusiastic to learn.