Early careers | Insight Investment

Ben Loeffen-Gallagher

Business Development Associate

About you

I joined Insight on the Graduate scheme in 2020, after studying Economics, Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick. I started in a sales support rotation for a few months, which gave me a great introduction to the business and how the distribution process works. Following this, I joined the fixed income product specialist team for 6-months, working as the interface between the investment teams and the client facing side of the business. Since the summer of 2021, I have been in my current role, working to distribute Insight’s investment capabilities via our partnership with BNY Investments across a broad range of clients in EMEA.

What are you enjoying the most about working at Insight Investment and your role?

Our growth ambitions make Insight an exciting place to work (especially in distribution) as there is a huge opportunity for the firm as we expand into new markets and build upon our investment capabilities.

Insight truly cares about people development. Management has supported my career progression and encouraged me to take on ever increasing responsibility. For example, this has ranged from support throughout the CFA qualification to taking on important roles in key client pitches from an early stage.

What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?

Insight has managed to foster a high-performance environment without compromising on a team first and collaborative culture. Everyone is collectively driven by the objective of delivering for our clients and there is no place for egos in the organisation. People are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and supported in doing so.

Katie Male

Business Analyst

About you
I grew up in Solihull and then I spent three years studying History at the University of Leeds. I’ve been at Insight for two years now, and I’ve just rolled off the Business Analyst graduate scheme. In the last two years I have rotated across several Technology product teams such as Currency, Cash & Collateral, Fusion LDI, and Integrated Solutions- where I am now in my permanent role.

Why Insight Investment?
I was attracted to asset management because it was a fast-paced, client-focused industry- and Insight was a key player in this field with an impressive reputation. In particular, I was drawn to the structure of the graduate scheme which gives you the chance to rotate around different teams, and to work towards certifications such as the IMC and CFA.

How would you describe the culture at Insight Investment?
Everyone at Insight is extremely welcoming. I like that there is relatively a flat hierarchy and the focus is on team / collective outcomes. The supportive culture definitely made joining Insight, a few months after graduating university, less daunting and an enjoyable transition.

Sydney Vertigan

Quantitative Developer

About you
I am a Software Developer on the Quant Platform team and have been for 1 year. The previous two years I was on Insight Investment's Technology Graduate Programme, rotating between 4 teams. In my current role I develop the Quant Platform alongside my colleagues and assist the Quants with productionising their models. My academic background is an Undergraduate degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in the Mathematics of Cybersecurity, both taken at the University of Bristol.

What are you enjoying the most about working at Insight Investment and your role?
Insight offer a great level of support to their employees, especially where health and personal grievances are concerned – I have really noticed that care and health (both mentally and physically) of employees is a number one priority. In the technology department, there is a wide range of teams and having done the grad scheme I have gained a good network. Everyone is always very helpful and keen to discuss problems they may have a solution too. From what I have heard, I believe this is prevalent across the whole business also. Insight have listened throughout my career with them about my personal goals and priorities and allowed me to choose graduate rotations and roles based on this. They have been very willing for me to mould my own career journey and given me the necessary tools to do so.

What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?
Insight are very good at enabling on career development and recently I have been selected to take part in the 30% Club Cross Company Mentoring Programme – a worldwide scheme focusing on gender equity. I have been able to attend technology conferences with Insight, like Microsoft Ignite, to enable me to widen my knowledge in my field. I have been appointed chairperson of the Technology Social Committee and along with the team, organise events for colleagues to socialise and get to know one another. Women at Insight is a Diversity and Inclusion committee that I take part in, which runs some interesting events and initiatives.

James Fisher

Responsible Investment - Analyst

About you

From my home in the West country to London via a Management and Economics degree at the University of Sheffield, I’ve now completed my graduate scheme at Insight and have thoroughly enjoyed my transition into the asset management industry. After spending my time at Insight in Client Service and the Responsible Investment team, I’ve fully settled into life in London – aided by keeping up my hobbies including golf, football and running (last year I just about managed to run the London Marathon in aid of an Insight charity sponsor – Livability!)

What are you enjoying the most about working at Insight Investment and your role?

During uni, I knew I wanted to make the move to London and work in the financial markets space. When I was applying for graduate schemes, Insight stood out for its reputation and stability im the asset management industry. I could see its track record in delivering results for clients which was evidently driven by Insight’s client-centric approach, through tailoring investment strategies and their emphasis on recruiting talent who value a purpose-driven environment. Since being here I’ve been able to experience this first hand and can say the commitment to its clients is obvious every day.

What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?

The culture here is one where collaboration is at the core of what everyone at Insight does. There is a clear sense of shared commitment to the success of our clients , which drives our efforts. I’d point towards a strong sense of shared ownership as well, where employees feel accountable for delivering value and achieving outcomes. But also, what has been clear to me throughout my time at Insight is that everyone is willing to take time to help each other around the office, whether that be a coffee catch up or walking through work tasks.