Our Culture

• Degree(s):Arts degree (Sociology and Geography); Masters in Business Information Systems
• Location:Edinburgh
• Job title:Analyst - First-Line Support/Training
• Group:BlackRock Solutions

As an analyst in the Solution Centre, covering first line support and training, my role is very diverse, giving me the opportunity to travel extensively. While I’m supporting Aladdin and training others, I am also constantly learning new aspects of the business and building relationships with end users. Every department is dependent on each other, resulting in a collaborative and productive working environment, which I find stimulating.

Learning a New Way of Thinking

My way of thinking and level of knowledge is challenged and enhanced on a daily basis. The financial industry is fast-paced, constantly adapting financial strategies and technology with the aim of achieving competitive advantage over market leaders. This environment gives me the opportunity to apply the theoretical and practical skills I acquired during college while also providing me with a deeper understanding of finance, risk management and technology.

It's All About Your Potential

BlackRock looks for graduates who use their initiative, are self motivated and eager to learn. It’s all about your potential and ability to make a real difference, not your present understanding of the industry.

To emphasize the company’s global reach, BlackRock gathered all 2007 graduates in New York for two weeks. My time there was very memorable as it gave me the opportunity to meet some of the most senior and influential individuals in BlackRock.

7:30 a.m. – Anything Urgent? Have a quick look at the team email box to see if there are any urgent issues within Blackrock or its external Aladdin clients, which need immediate attention.

8:15 a.m. – Team meeting. If there are no serious issues, we have a brief team meeting to discuss what each team member is concentrating on that day. If there are issues we work together with other technology teams to resolve them as quickly and effectively as possible. We are in constant communication with the end user keeping them updated on our progress.

8:45 a.m. – Check my schedule. Check my calendar and see what I have scheduled for the day. Schedule my day-to-day activities around these appointments.

8:55 a.m. – Email. Have a quick look at my emails and reply to any urgent issues.

9:15 a.m. – Prepare documentation. Prepare my notes and documentation for the day ahead. This may include preparing slide shows, user manuals, additional documentation, etc.

9:45 a.m. - Daily investment meeting. Attend the daily meeting held in Edinburgh by various portfolio management teams. The Portfolio Managers give a run down of current financial market conditions. This keeps me aware of developments in the financial markets.

10:00 a.m. – Deliver client training. As the investment platform is constantly being upgraded and developed, we are often asked to conduct training sessions for clients. This varies from one-to-one or group training sessions.

11:00 a.m. – Review. Review my notes from the previous training session. Note any points or questions raised which need further investigation.

11:15 a.m. – System Check. Run daily system checkouts for different client environments to make sure everything is ok.

1:00 p.m. – Investigate and resolve user issues. Respond to emails, talk to users, investigate and resolve investment platform related issues. This is the core activity of my role. This is time consuming but very rewarding and satisfying.

6:30 p.m. – Leave the office.