Caroline Macefield

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Barings

Business Services Trainee |

School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

Being in the business services team means that I have contact with the majority of the business, and being a ‘people person’ this is a great way to show my communication skills. This department is key in developing initiatives such as looking at our sustainability, we are always on the lookout for new ways that the office could be more environmentally friendly as well as hosting events to educate the rest of the business so no two days are the same! Coming into a big organisation as a school leaver, it can be daunting however everyone in Barings is extremely helpful which allows me to utilise their knowledge and also made the transition a lot easier.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

My job role is so varied, one day I could learn how to do a procedure and then I won’t do it again for the next few months. Because of this I need to make sure that I take clear and structured notes, this was a skill I had to quickly improve from my first day on the job.

How did you get into your job?

When I left sixth form, I didn’t have a clue what industry I wanted to go into, so I decided to take a gap year. I expanded my weekend retail job to a full time position. I quickly realised that I wanted to start my career and gain a qualification. I started to apply for jobs on the Investment20/20 website. I had come across Investment20/20 while at school, my careers advisor was a big advocate for the programme, so I knew about the all different opportunities it provided, which is why I was determined to get onto the programme.

What are your future aspirations?

I would like to gain further qualifications within the industry to gain more knowledge however I am open to which ever route my career takes me as there is so much room to move around.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

Investment20/20 gives you a foot in the door. When I started on the programme, they provided endless amounts of events, allowing me to meet trainees at other companies going through the same transition as me. The networking opportunities are fantastic for any 19-year-old starting their career as you get to meet more senior members which you would never really get the chance to speak to.