Skill Set
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical skill
- Critical thinking abilities
- Ability to work well under-pressure
- Excellent time management skills
- Basic programming skills
Typical Day
- 8am: Check news wires and markets
- 9am: Morning meeting across trading & sales
- 10am: Client checkins
- 1pm: Collaborate with team on upcoming pitches
- 2pm: Update prospecting spreadsheets
- 4pm: Prepare pitchbook (presentation) for MD
- 5pm: Review tomorrow's deals and closing levels
Meet Joeline Alexander, Government Finance
Why did you pick your program and university?
One of the reasons I chose the Double Degree Math and Business program was because it was a unique opportunity to experience two different schools and simultaneously earn two degrees in only 5 years. This program is a one of a kind in Canada that allowed me to combine my interests in business and math and gave me a competitive edge when looking for employment during school. It was important to me to attend a reputable school with a niche program that would challenge me but also prepare me for the real-world; and I found the perfect place in the BBA/BMath program with Wilfrid Laurier and the University of Waterloo.
What made you decide to pursue finance once you started university?
Entering university I was not 100% certain that I would pursue a career in finance. Along the way, especially in first and second year, I was exposed to several industries in the math and business world through networking sessions for co-op, and different classes. Only after experiencing work-terms in different sectors and actively talking to people in capital markets, did I realize that this was the career path I wanted to follow. I also had a personal interest in trading stocks so I naturally was very curious about translating this hobby into a full time job. What intrigued me the most about capital markets was its competitive landscape and the exposure to high profile transactions/work you can get so early in your career. All of this pointed towards a very exciting career path for me where I would be able to utilize both my technical and social skills.
What kind of internships or job experience did you complete while in school?
I had a total of four co-op work terms during university. My first and second placements were in accounting and mid-market commercial banking, respectively. The latter two were in capital markets, specifically in Foreign Exchange and Debt Capital Markets. Gaining experience in different fields before entering this industry just reinforced my choice and my desire to pursue a career in finance
Describe your current role and your typical day.
My current role is as an analyst on the Government Finance desk. Our team provides funding solutions for the provinces, municipalities, pensions, crown corporations and sovereigns, supranational and agencies (SSAs) through the origination and syndication of bonds in the primary market. On a day to day basis we maintain communication with our issuers / clients to see if their funding requirements are conducive to the market conditions. We continuously work with the fixed income sales team and interest rate traders on the distribution and pricing of these new issue bonds.
What's one piece of advice that you would give someone in high school looking to a career in your field?
A piece of advice I would pass along to those high school students interested in finance is to never stop being curious and learning. Capital markets is constantly evolving so there will always be a learning curve no matter what stage of your career you are at. That eagerness and curiosity to learn will help you keep up with the growing industry. Never be afraid to ask questions and network with people in the industry, as that is the first step to exploring a possible career in capital markets.
Meet Amy Xu, Investment Banking
