Early careers | Insight Investment

About you
I’ve been at Insight for just over two years now. I initially joined on the graduate scheme in Technology in 2020 after finishing my degree in Computer Science. During my time on the graduate scheme I worked across several technology product teams which develop software for front office users and moved into my permanent team this September at the end of the grad scheme.

Why Insight Investment?
I chose Insight because I wanted to work at a company which has challenging problems to solve and uses technology to do so. Being at a finance company (as opposed to a technology company) gives a lot of opportunities to learn about how the business operates.

How would you describe the culture at Insight Investment?
The culture at Insight is very friendly and supportive. There is a lot of collaboration, not just in teams or areas of the company, but between departments as well. There isn’t much sense of hierarchy but more of a team atmosphere where everyone is working towards similar goals.

About you
After growing up in the Devon countryside, I studied Accounting & Finance at LSE before working a short stint in private wealth management, then moving back to London to join Insight. I’ve been at Insight for just over three years now, having completed my two-year Investment graduate scheme and joined Insight’s Fixed Income Group as a Credit analyst.

What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?
I have been part of the Insight charity committee for most of my time at Insight. We work together as a small group from across the firm (across divisions and geographies!) to primarily raise money and awareness for our current charity partner, The Make-A-Wish Foundation (MAW). This involves helping to organise a monthly charity raffle within the office, as well as arranging and promoting a number of sponsored sporting and other fundraising events. Insight also provides up to 2 volunteering days per year to allow employees to volunteer and support a charity of their choice, so I have had the pleasure of attending the MAW office in Reading to provide assistance and gain a ground-level understanding of some the fantastic work that they are doing.

How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
I primarily tried to keep up to date with current political and financial news. I did this little and often over a period of time, which helped to gradually build up my knowledge rather than trying to cram in information the night before an interview (this does not work!). When I found something that interested me, I read in more detail. If I didn’t understand something, I looked it up on Google and Investopedia (very useful site!). I did this at both a macro and micro level. This also gave me plenty to talk about during my interviews and showed a true interest in specific topics. Commercial awareness also includes understanding the basics of the firm and role you are applying to, so I made sure to look at Insight’s website resources. One good piece of advice I had on this front was that the interviewer doesn’t expect expert knowledge, just a demonstrated interest and a drive to learn.

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.

About you
I studied Economics and graduated from the University of Kent in 2020. I am now working at Insight Investment as a Junior Client Service Specialist.  My day to day role includes managing key tasks associated with client change activity, including onboarding new clients and changes to existing client mandates and fee schedules. Also supporting the delivery of business as usual activity and ad hoc requests from clients, working closely with Client Directors and Investment Professionals from across the business.

In my spare time I enjoy advocating for change and in 2020 I established a network which hosted events such as online networking sessions and panel discussions, which aimed to motivate and educate young individuals of ethnic minority.

What opportunities outside of your role have Insight Investment enabled you to be a part of?
Outside of my day to day role, I am a member of the Charity Committee. It has been rewarding being able to help those within society who are most vulnerable. I am also currently completing my Investment Management Certificate (IMC). Insight Investment have been extremely supportive and accommodating throughout the process and I am enjoying enhancing my knowledge of the Investment industry.

How would you describe the culture at Insight Investment?
Insight Investment is an innovative firm, always looking for new ways to improve systems and processes. Ideas are welcomed from everyone no matter your seniority. Collaboration is also key, as the firm knows the importance of diversity of thought.