Xizhe
Portfolio Manager
I'm a portfolio manager in the hedge fund industry. Prior to this, I spent almost a decade trading interest rate products in the investment banking industry.
Growing up, I knew nothing about either industry. I came to the UK at the age of 3 and moved around a lot, often changing schools. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I was older, but took a shining to analytical subjects and Economics in particular, subsequently studying Econometrics at LSE in London.
It was here that I learned about the investment banking industry, but also that I was "behind the curve" versus peers who already knew the fast-track into the industry: what to apply for, when to do it, and how to get offers back. After getting a summer internship, I quickly realised that many on the programme already had a headstart, with prior work experience or help from connections in the industry. Things worked out in the end and I received a job offer, but looking back, I feel that I could've been better prepared instead of starting on the backfoot.
It is never quite a level playing field getting into any industry, let alone one quite as competitive as finance. I think a programme like this is a great way to help less privileged young people who are "behind the curve" catch up and get a better start.
What I can help with:
Hedge funds
Investment banking
Interview advice
Financial markets
Economics