Alexander Cave

Name: Alexander Cave
Job: Trader
Area of work: Investment banking
Employer: Citi
Qualifications: MSc agricultural economics, Imperial College London (2007)

I chose a career in banking because it applies theory to real life situations – just like in agricultural economics. When looking for a job, I attended a variety of events that provided an insight into the different roles available in banking before deciding on currency trading. In a diverse area like sales, trading and research, I think it’s important to know exactly what you want to do before settling on a job, and doing research beforehand helps to make this decision.

My job

It is vital to be able to absorb information and analyse its importance. Since all markets have direct impact on each other, general market awareness is essential. We sit in an open-plan office for easy communication, which makes the job very social – I meet people from all backgrounds and degree disciplines.

The market changes constantly, so every day has a different focus. Although it is a large organisation, we work in small teams, so it doesn’t feel as though you are a small piece of a big puzzle. From the start I was encouraged to take responsibility. In my first three months, I was part of the team responsible for risk management surrounding the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy.

’I was part of the team responsible for risk management surrounding the Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy’

The working day

I get an early start – which provides plenty of time to find out what has happened overnight in Asia – and leave around 5.00 pm, leaving my evenings free. There are plenty of opportunities to socialise with people throughout the industry, as it is a global business that serves clients 24 hours a day. As a result I often speak with our offices worldwide.