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My journey as a Global Markets Coordinator with Vantage Point

After delivering three years as a Vantage Point consultant, Will looks back on his journey as he prepares to convert to join his client, a global investment bank, as a permanent employee.

My journey...

Joining Vantage Point as a financial services consultant

My fascination with the financial services industry started at college. I developed a keen interest in macroeconomics, particularly how significant changes can result from simple adjustments in things like interest rates, taxation, and foreign affairs. From that moment, I knew I wanted to work in the financial markets, to engage in this vast industry that promises an exciting and dynamic career.

I went on to study Business Management at university, where I took courses in economics and finance. As I neared the end of my studies, I began searching for roles in the financial sector but quickly realised that there were significant entry barriers to top positions and companies. After struggling to find a placement, I learned about Vantage Point, a consultancy specialising in placements within big-name investment banks. After speaking to someone on their Talent Team about the Global Markets Coordinator role, this seemed like my ideal path.

The interview process at Vantage Point was quick and smooth, and I valued their emphasis on character traits over academic achievements. The interviewers showed great interest in my experiences, so I felt confident that I didn't need to exaggerate or prove myself. I knew my genuine passion for working in the industry would be evident and sufficient.

Simulate training 

Soon after, I became a full-time employee of Vantage Point and began the Simulate training academy, replicating real industry presentations, research, and situations. The training was of top quality, engaging, and enlightening, and I always looked forward to the tasks assigned by the trainers each day.

One of these tasks included an interactive trading simulation. We were divided into groups and instructed to buy and sell stocks based on breaking news distributed via instant messenger. The outcome was fascinating: applying theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and collaborating with people from different backgrounds enriched my learning even more as I observed how they chose when to buy and sell.

My classmates were impressive;  I met people from various backgrounds, such as entrepreneurs with their own businesses, students who had studied art subjects, and individuals from competitive sport. We learned how to get the best out of each member of our team, which we knew would be useful when joining organisations comprised of thousands of people from around the world.

Preparing for client assignment

The academy, led by Tim, who had extensive experience in the financial services industry, was exceptional in preparing us for the client assignment. We faced numerous challenges, often unexpected. Our main task was a weekly presentation that required thorough research and slide creation. Tim could easily tell if we were reading from a prompt, waffling due to insufficient rehearsal, or making wild guesses because we couldn't answer a question directly. The lessons stayed with me during my placement, where I was quickly entrusted with presenting sensitive data to very senior management on behalf of our department. I received recognition for my presentation skills, which I am confident was due to Tim's superb training.

Ongoing support

Once I joined my client, a global investment bank, I felt well supported by Vantage Point. My Client Delivery Partner, Rudolph, organised fortnightly catch-ups where I could talk through my tasks and projects, review my career progress, and get support for any challenges. I regularly contacted my trainer, Tim, who always made an effort to book a time to chat. His insight and support proved invaluable in helping me figure out what I wanted to do and keeping me focused on the path ahead. During these chats, I could ask questions, raise concerns, and receive a supportive and helpful answer.

Vantage Point regularly asked how they could enhance our experience. One of my requests was for further training on niche products such as options (futures/swaps), banking strategies like hedging, the use of leverage, and product structuring and valuation. The trainers set aside time to produce presentations and learning material to build our knowledge and answer our questions.

The Head Office team also organise breakfasts and lunches in all the consultant locations, to which everyone is invited, including previous alumni and our client line managers. This great social initiative allows for further networking, and it’s been interesting to bump into Vantage Point alumni who now hold senior positions at the bank.

Converting to my client

Vantage Point’s goal is to identify people with the right attitude for the industry, place them with clients who are well-established players in the financial markets and nurture them into talent who can eventually convert to permanent roles within those organisations.

It took me over three years to achieve this permanent conversion. I faced obstacles along the way, such as budget constraints and fluctuations in market conditions, which led to a delay in the offer to convert. Vantage Point was a great support whilst I waited, and regularly raised my salary to ensure I was being paid appropriately for my level of experience. Eventually, my role became available at the bank, and I was offered a full-time contract. I achieved this by maintaining a high level of quality, consistently pushing to exceed my basic objectives, and being a team player, always looking for ways to enhance my potential and that of the entire department. I also found it important to build connections and maintain enthusiasm when first starting out, which builds trust in those who can help you achieve your goals. Strong character and consistent determination were equally important to completing tasks and projects.

What I hope to achieve next

Moving forward in my role, I’m excited to continue building on my knowledge, skills, and experience. I’m looking to take on new responsibilities and opportunities, whether that means managing projects, implementing new processes, or even moving into other roles within the bank. Eventually, I’d love to step into a team lead or manager role, but the idea of moving to a front office position is also intriguing.

My experience has allowed me to meet a fantastic range of colleagues from all areas of the firm, including Operations, Compliance, Front Office, Management, and clients. I aim to expand my network and build a great reputation for myself so that these connections can continue paving the way to a successful long-term career in the industry.

I’m genuinely excited to see what the future holds and must thank Vantage Point for the opportunity.

Will

Vantage Point consultant

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