What's your job about?

Investment banks play a crucial role in the financial industry, specializing in providing strategic advice and executing financial transactions. In my role as an analyst within Jarden's Investment Banking division, I experience a dynamic and rapid-paced work environment. The nature of my day-to-day activities varies depending on ongoing projects, client requirements, and market dynamics. Broadly speaking, my responsibilities revolve around executing deals, conducting marketing efforts, and performing valuations. On certain days, I am engaged in preparing Board presentations, while on others, I attend client meetings or focus on constructing models that aid in their assessment of specific opportunities. These tasks necessitate a diverse range of research, technical expertise, and critical thinking abilities, ensuring that the work remains consistently captivating.

What's your background?

Following graduating high school in 2018 at the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, I moved to Sydney to attend University. I studied for a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance) and a Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Chemistry) at Sydney University. When starting University, I hadn’t imagined a career in investment banking – or in fact I didn’t know what investment banking was at the time. I spent much of my first three years at University playing sports (mainly tennis), working as a coach and tutor, and enjoying student life with all of the experiences that come with it. 

Driven by my inherent passion for mathematics, I gravitated toward a professional path that would enable me to exercise creative thinking while strategically formulating and presenting ideas. The interpersonal aspect of this field also captivated me, recognizing that cultivating strong client relationships rests upon the pillars of trust and providing authentic advice. Growing up playing a lot of sport, a work environment based largely on teamwork was also very appealing to me. 

During my third year of university, I took an investment banking internship at Jarden. This was an invaluable experience that solidified that a career in this domain was a match for both my aspirations and aptitudes. What drew me to Jarden was its remarkable people-centric approach. The senior members of the organization possess an exceptional hands-on mentality when it comes to nurturing the personal and professional growth of their junior counterparts. As someone who was embarking on the start of my professional career in a fast-paced, steep learning curve environment, this is something that deeply resonated with me and garnered my utmost appreciation.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Absolutely! As someone who studied a degree in chemistry as my other degree to finance, having more of a diverse academic background was in fact something that was very much appreciated and welcomed. Possessing a foundational level of business understanding and financial comprehension can be advantageous in the initial stages of the job. However, I firmly believe that with the right mindset, a genuine thirst for knowledge, and a keen interest in the industry, anyone can swiftly ascend the learning curve, even in the absence of formal tertiary education in these domains.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Being amongst a team of incredibly hardworking, motivated and talented individuals who are also very personable is one of my favorite aspects of my job. Whether it be working alongside them or general daily conversations amongst people in other teams, it really makes you appreciate the day-to-day aspect of work. In addition, closely collaborating with senior executives across a diverse spectrum of companies represents an extraordinary opportunity, as a junior being a truly distinctive aspect of this role.

What are the limitations of your job?

As an analyst in investment banking, the steep learning curve proves to present challenges within the context of a fast-paced environment. Furthermore, considering the nature of the job, the skill of effective prioritization becomes paramount in managing both daily workloads and achieving a healthy work-life balance. Nevertheless, in the face of these obstacles, the personal growth derived from such a dynamic learning environment remains unparalleled and immensely rewarding.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

• Find balance and embrace all types of opportunities - Seize all the opportunities to broaden your experiences, whether they be extra-curricular, personal or professional. University offers significantly greater flexibility compared to full-time work, enabling you to delve into your interests, experiment with new pursuits, and optimize your student experience. While academics are important, don't let them consume your entire university experience. Learning extends far beyond the lecture halls, so engage in extracurricular activities, pursue hobbies, and make time for friends and family. Remain open to new ideas, embrace different perspectives, and be willing to adjust your approach as circumstances evolve. Cultivate curiosity, question assumptions, and seek knowledge beyond your field of study.
• Most career paths aren’t linear; enjoy the journey. As a student, it's perfectly normal to be uncertain about your career path upon graduation! University provides a valuable opportunity to discover your genuine passions and sources of motivation. Embrace this period of exploration and growth as there is no need to confine yourself to a single path prematurely. As hard as it may be, don’t compare yourself to others; everyone’s personal and professional timeline is unique, so keep your focus on finding out what you are passionate for. Enjoy the journey: celebrate milestones, learn from setbacks, and remember that every experience contributes to your personal and professional growth. Step outside of your comfort zone, as growth often happens when you push yourself beyond what feels safe or familiar.
• It’s never too early to start building your professional network. Take the initiative to build strong relationships with your peers, professors, colleagues and mentors. Networking can open so many doors to new opportunities and provide valuable mentorship along the way. Take opportunities to meet people from the industry, you never know whether a simple coffee could turn into a job opportunity.