What's your job about?
Investment Banking involves providing advisory services to a variety of clients, predominantly focussing on deals. The three main types of deals are M&A (involves the purchase or sale of a business) equity raisings (involves raising capital by selling shares) and debt raisings (involves raising capital by issuing debt). Working in a generalist team means that I work with a variety of clients across different industries. Throughout my time at Jarden, I have worked with CEOs and CFOs from leading companies in a range of industries needing different solutions to complex problems.
As an analyst, I work on providing and communicating information to the seniors in my team and to clients to facilitate the best outcome. This results in me spending a lot of time in Excel analysing information or PowerPoint making packs to communicate findings. My day varies a lot each day which makes the job very engaging and allows me to develop different skillsets.
What's your background?
As a kid, I was always interested in current events and as I got older, I developed an interest in business and the financial markets. Growing up in Christchurch, I had very little exposure to investment banking and as a result, I left high school without a clear aim to get into the industry but knowing that I wanted to work in business. I started studying Accounting and Finance at The University of Canterbury which furthered my interest in the financial markets.
My first internship came after my second year at university and was at an accounting firm in their business advisory division. I enjoyed client-facing aspect of the team and developed my accounting knowledge in this role but decided that I was more interested in financial markets than accounting. As a result, I transitioned into an Economics and Finance degree and applied to Jarden to be an Investment Banking Intern. I found the internship enlightening and it was an invaluable experience that confirmed my desire to work in the industry. I was successful in getting an analyst role and was sold by the strong Jarden culture and the focus they put on their people and clients and the diverse range of activities that I face as an analyst. I subsequently accepted the role and have been enjoying the steep- learning curve.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Definitely. Whilst the finance knowledge I learnt at university has certainly been useful, Jarden has such a strong training program that people with a keen interest in financial markets, a desire to learn, and critical thinking abilities could be successful in the job without having done a finance degree.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The coolest thing about this job is the development opportunities and the people I work with. As an analyst, I face a steep learning curve, have exposure to numerous industries, and get to work with impressive people (both our clients and Jarden seniors). This offers me numerous development opportunities. I also enjoy working with the people at Jarden due to its supportive culture.
What are the limitations of your job?
Whilst enjoyable, a limitation of the job can be the fast-paced nature of investment banking. Time management and effective prioritisation are important to make sure that work can be done to a high standard with adequate attention to detail whilst preserving work-life balance so that you remain motivated to continue working in what is an exciting industry. The ability to effectively manage your day and prioritise work is a skill that is learnt with experience.
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