Published: October 31, 2024
Eight weeks into our 2024 Graduate Programme, we sat down with Oliver Pick and Christopher Gautret to hear their reflections on joining LGPS Central. Both are enthusiastic about the experiences they’ve had so far, eager to make their mark, and looking forward to their upcoming departmental rotations.
Oliver and Christopher have shared some insights about their journey so far:
Oliver
Why did you choose to join the LGPS Central Graduate Programme?
I chose LGPS Central because they offer the opportunity to do four rotations across different areas of the business, giving me a deeper understanding of how various teams contribute to the company’s success. Also, LGPS Central has strong support for professional development, with a clear pathway that begins with the IMC qualification and progresses to other key certifications like the CFA. Additionally, the pensions industry, especially in the UK, is growing in importance, with pooling becoming increasingly significant. Joining LGPS Central at this time gives me the chance to be part of a dynamic and impactful sector.
What have been your first impressions?
My first impressions were extremely positive. Everyone I’ve met has been incredibly friendly, approachable, and eager to help. People are not only welcoming but also highly knowledgeable and willing to show me what they do which is invaluable in supporting my learning.
Most interesting piece of work (so far!)
I’ve really enjoyed the variety of tasks I’ve had the opportunity to work on in just my first month. I have particularly enjoyed using data to help create slides for presentations to our partner funds. It’s been a great experience to see how data analysis directly contributes to client engagement.
What are you looking forward to as you progress thorough your rotations?
I am excited to continue building my knowledge and skills in client services while exploring new opportunities during my upcoming rotations. Additionally, I look forward to beginning my IMC qualification, which will deepen my understanding and further support my development.
Reflecting on Oliver’s contribution since joining the Client Services Team, Chief Commercial Officer, Trevor Castledine said, “I’ve been really impressed with Oliver’s positive and pragmatic approach to all of the challenges we have set him so far. He has shown great initiative and really understands the importance of pinpoint accuracy and delivering to tight deadlines. I think he has great potential”.
Christopher
Why did you choose to join the LGPS Central Graduate Programme?
What stood out to me about LGPS Central was the company’s dedication to making a positive impact with pension funds, that alignment with my own personal values attracted me to the company. Beyond that the employees at the company within all teams have extensive industry experience, the opportunity to learn from everyone and build my knowledge and skillset across four rotations drove me to join LGPS Central.
What have been your first impressions?
Everyone has been very welcoming and friendly; the people here have extensive experience and are very knowledgeable in their respective fields while at the same time being very open to sharing this knowledge. I've been rapidly integrated into day-to-day operations within my first rotation and that has very much accelerated my learning.
What has been your most interesting piece of work (so far!)?
Investment Operations are directly at the core of enacting and monitoring investment activity and fund flows; therefore, I’ve been able to gain exposure to a variety of fascinating tasks. However, I would have to say that following trades throughout their life cycle from execution to complete settlement has been a particularly rewarding task that has enabled me to gain a better understanding of the intricacies behind buying and selling securities.
What are you looking forward to as you progress thorough your rotations?
Building up toward having more responsibilities and gaining more exposure to what the operations team does. My aim is to continue my learning within the company and gain a deeper understanding of the financial services industry as a whole.
Reflecting on Christopher’s contribution to the Investment Operations Team, Head of Investment Operations, Neil Wain said “I’ve been really impressed by how quickly Christopher has picked up the more technical aspects of the team’s work, with a real eye for detail. He has been a really helpful support for the team and I”.
Look out for more updates as they continue their journey on new rotations across the organisation.
