Catherine Chere

Name: Catherine Chere
Employer: RBC Capital Markets
University: University of Bath
Subject: BSc economics

As part of my degree, I spent a year at an investment bank. The experience gave me an insight into what working in capital markets would involve and gave me a chance to use the theory I had learned at university. When I came to choosing a full-time employer, I knew I preferred to work for one of the smaller banks and one that offered a solid training programme.

My job

I joined the corporate and investment banking arm of Canada’s largest bank. I felt that the graduate programme ticked all the right boxes for me, and during the 17 weeks of rotational training I was able to spend time in all of the key capital market areas before moving to a permanent role. At the end of the programme, I was offered a role in fixed income trading.

In my current role I have day-to-day responsibility for Australian-dollar denominated bonds. I work on a lively trading floor and an average day starts at 7.00 am and finishes around 5.30 pm. The early morning starts were a shock at first but I got used to it quite quickly. It helps that I have a good relationship with the team, as we spend so much time together. I have a good social life with colleagues and other graduates and they have all been very supportive from day one.

Career highlights

I like the variety and the fact that I need to be constantly in tune with the markets. It has also been great to have the opportunity to train in the Sydney office. I know that I will have the opportunity to progress quickly if I prove myself, and I am ready for the challenge.