Q&A with Head of US Institutional Clients at Schroders - 7/14

Thanks everyone for your great questions! Stay healthy and stay sane!

Are there any industry groups you'd recommend a young woman in finance to join? Are you aware of any networking events that are happening virtually?

Did you adapt your career path when you had kids? My manager is so rude to me when I have my kids in the background now. I love my job but don't know if this career path is sustainable

Have you ever had to explain your transitions in and out of the finance industry in interviews? Did you ever feel penalized for taking time to try a different path?

How did you balance daily pressures with planning future career moves and goals? My current role is so intense I don't have time to think about what I really want

What are some creative ways you recommend if you want to build your professional brand and reputation?

I have been in a product management role for fund products at a Private Bank for the last 6 years but I would like to be able to move into a product strategy/positioning role at an Asset Management fi… more

How should one go about making a move from a distributor (Private Bank) role to an Asset Management role? How does the distribution function look like from these 2 vantage points?

What financial services roles do you think will be eliminate within the next 10 years?

Do you think banks will look kindly upon working in another industry like tech or consulting if I want to come back into finance in the future?

What are challenges the finance industry is going through right now?

My experience thus far (5 years) is on the private side of investing (private equity, private credit....) but I’d like to transition into a business development / relationship focused role versus mode… more

Any advice for recent/upcoming grads wanting to break into the industry but not able to find opportunities due to COVID? Thanks!

Have there been moments when you've wondered whether it's worth it to keep going or if Finance is for you in the long run? How did you push through?

A woman in a man’s world; assimilate then infiltrate or fly the flag of change right out the gate?

What is the future of ESG? Will it become table stakes for all firms moving forward?

What is a mistake people early in their careers often make?

What separates good leaders from bad leaders?

Can you describe the qualities of people you've promoted?

Given a choice of spending time, money and effort on upskilling oneself at age 30, would you see more value in someone going for an MBA / CFA / accounting qual or learning how to code?

How do you think a Covid-induced recession will impact hiring over the next 12 months?

How do you “confirm” the right career direction for yourself?

I find that it is hard to find women leaders in Finance that I can look up to early in my career.

How would you recommend I build this aspect of my network?

What were the challenges moving up as a woman in the 90s compared to the ones that exist today? Thank you.

What’s more valuable- CFA or MBA with specialization in Finance?

What do you think is the best way to network for young professionals? Specifically during COVID?

What’s your take on the future of the asset management industry? What roles will continue to be in high demand?

If you were starting a career in finance today, what kind of role would you look for and why?

How do you think your break from the industry impacted your earning potential when you went back into Finance?

How important do you think the names of the places where you've worked are on your resume when you're building a career in Finance? Feel like I'm shut out if I don't have a JPM or GS o… more

What are the benefits / trade offs being in a Bulge Bracket vs a boutique for a career in IB at the VP level in your opinion?

What have been the benefits of taking a career break? I’m afraid I’ll be left behind if I do.

How have previous recessions impacted careers in finance and how did you navigate these periods?

Hi Jenny, how did you approach planning your career and setting goals?