We talked to Giorgio Broggi, alumnus of the International Master in Finance. After graduating from EADA, Giorgio participated in the double degree programme at EDHEC Business School (France). He recently accepted a position as Graduate Analyst, Wealth and Investment Management at Barclay’s in London.
Tell us a bit about your current responsibilities at Barclay’s.
I am going through a 2.5 years rotational programme. Right now, I am working in the Digital Investing division of Barclays Wealth, in the Financial Advice team. I am involved in many different projects, from stress-testing out the latest investment advice models to developing launch plans for new products and services.
What is the most interesting part of your current position?
Since I started studying Finance, I have always been motivated by the idea of filling the gap between mass investors and financial markets. Everything I do here aims to do just that. Having 23 million clients and impressive investment expertise, Barclays is the place to be.
EADA’s Portfolio Management course is what got me interested in Asset Management. I like Asset Management because, thanks to modern technology and data analysis applications, it is finally possible to make investments accessible to everyone. On the top of that, looking at the latest trends –such as ESG– and research –factor investing, insurance-like products– the quality and the impact of the products offered is drastically increasing every day.
Which personal and qualities are most important for professionals in wealth and investment management?
A big part of the business is about building convincing stories. In the end, regardless of how beautifully sophisticated the investment process can be, you need to make the client understand and appreciate it. For this reason, soft skills are essential. Being able to communicate effectively and deal with a highly diverse client base is one of the keys to success. In addition, as in all big organisations, branding and networking are essential to survival.
How did EADA prepare you for your career after graduation?
The communication skills, teamworking skills and multicultural sensitivity that I learned at EADA have been key elements in securing my current position. I developed these skills almost entirely during the leadership modules at the Residential Training Campus at EADA.
At EADA I was also able to further strengthen my technical skills and expand my international experience. EADA also supported me in sitting CFA Level I, which gave me a big advantage in the job market after graduation.
On a daily basis, I work with international teams composed of people of different ages and backgrounds, just like at EADA.
What aspects of what you learned at EADA to do you use in your day-to-day at work?
On a daily basis, I work with international teams composed of people of different ages and backgrounds, just like at EADA. It’s all about managing conflicts and building harmonised and well-structured groups. I would struggle with this aspect of my job without the experience gained at EADA, where I was constantly taken outside of my comfort zone in the most diverse environment I had ever experienced.
What advice would you offer to graduates who want to develop their career in wealth and investment management?
Get very keen on your technical skills, learn how to code and work on your story-telling skills. Apply soon, get connections, build a good story about your motivation. Getting into investment positions in London, especially in the last 2 years, has become more and more challenging.