Spring Insights Review

I felt like it was a very comprehensive insight into the world of investment management with a particular focus as well on the commercial side of the firm - retail, operations, and technology. The best part of the whole insight event was the trading simulation which was a risk-free environment to test our trading acumen.

As the insight event was only a single day, there was not any chance to offer any real contribution to the firm. However, the effort undertook by human resource department in organizing numerous sub-categories of this event was laudable in the sense that M&G Investments are still trying to attract young talent despite the current economic climate.

The guidance provided by the MDA Trainers/ Coach were acute and direct during the trading simulations. I think everyone were able to get the hang of how trading works despite the fact that most of us don't have the financial background or foundation. The lovely people from HR has also tried to make sure that we students understand what is going on with the simulation.

I feel like it was more of a confirmation for personal career aspiration to go into the buy-side of the financial microcosm. The trading session assured me that my market instinct is actually quite reliable and the very fact that I generated profit was very relieving. Truth be told, I was actually quite apprehensive before the day due to this particular session but all is well now.

The insight was incredibly well structured. There was ample amount of time to network with staffs as well as students. On top of that, the flow of the insight was on point, information sessions were interlaced with four rounds of trading simulations, networking luncheon and ended with Q&A panel discussion with current employees on the graduate scheme.

I think everyone just felt really lucky and thrilled to be there. There were also a notable number of students from Italy (Bocconi). I want to particularly highlight the lack of arrogance and willingness to converse from the employees of M&G Investments where you have people like a senior fixed income manager willing to really take the time to answer your questions and offer their insights.

A general consensus and the image that M&G Investment wants to portray is their workplace culture - a collegial, welcoming and a meritocratic one. I've met current employees on the graduate schemes where they really detailed their decision to pick the firm and the nature of their work. The insight gave me a better understanding of how staffing, variability and speed of project works.

At the end of the day, M&G seems like a place where I can thrive and grow continually without the pressure of the investment bankers at the bulge brackets. I particularly liked how the graduate scheme was structured, offering you the opportunity to work four different division of your choice. As for future career path, asset management has always been the dream, the insight reinforced it.

Yes, there was a networking lunch with around 30 employees from different divisions present - leveraged finance, technology, rotational graduate to senior equity analyst. Most of them were very open to sharing their insights and very enthusiastic when the topic of workplace culture were brought up. The only regret was that in between having a lunch and networking, it was too short.

I would definitely recommend this insight to a friend. Not only do you get to understand the firm's culture, you also get to understand how asset management is central to the economy. Everything was perfect - from the talks to the trading to the networking sessions and the food as well.