Vondo Nkomo

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Invesco

Presentation Specialist |

School/College Leaver

Why do you enjoy your job?

First and foremost, I enjoy the opportunity. Few young people have access to careers in a well esteemed industry such as this and the fact that I am part of the minority in this makes me appreciate the job 10 times more. Besides that, I find the fast paced nature of my role and the insights I gain to specific investment teams, their investment approach and how this is marketed to clients fascinating. It may only be PowerPoint the majority of the time and not the most glamorous side of the industry, however I have responsibility over the presentations clients see daily which plays a part in the millions (and billions) that clients choose to invest with Invesco.

What is the most challenging thing about your job?

The very precise eye for detail in my job can prove to be a challenge at times – a skill I had to develop quickly at the start of my role. When you’re in the natural ebb and flow of your day to day responsibilities, it can be hard to remember the little things that matter most. It is disappointing knowing where you could have done better, but it’s all part of the learning experience of my role, a mistake is only a fault when you repeat it!

How did you get into your job?

I’m a school leaver, I came into Invesco Perpetual via the Investment20/20 scheme after finishing my A-Levels. I did some work experience in the City prior to my current role but the journey here has had its fair share of barriers and pit-stops. I actually applied for the role I’m in now the year before my A-Levels had finished, got to the interview stage and abruptly found out that the role was better suited to post A-level candidates. I took the loss in my stride and stayed in touch with Invesco and the Investment20/20 scheme, re-applied with my exams under my belt and here I am now!

What are your future aspirations?

I can’t pin point exactly, it could be trading or sales, or I could opt to become an analyst. I just know that I want to lead in whatever area I’m in. I want to be proof to kids just like me that all it takes is ambition, hard-work, good choices and a bit of luck to work from the bottom to the top.

How would you sum up your Investment20/20 experience?

Life-changing. Really. I recently gave a speech at the Lord Mayor of London’s Power of Diversity breakfast in the City attended by multiple industry leaders including the Lord Mayor himself. Such an opportunity would never have come about without the Investment20/20 scheme. That alone has opened so many doors for me and my career – I feel like I could do anything. If you’re a young person reading this, even if you may not have a clue about what it is we do in investment management but you are interested to know – apply for something now via the Investment20/20 scheme. You may miss out on a life changing step in the right direction otherwise.