Charlie Reid

Name: Charlie Reid
Employer: Lazard
University: University of Oxford
Subject: BA modern languages
Area of work: Specialist markets

I chose to work in corporate finance to gain a wide understanding of the finance world before choosing to specialise in a particular industry sector. As part of my training programme I spent time rotating through different sector teams: real estate; oil and gas; telecoms, media and technology (TMT); and capital markets advisory.

My job

I decided to specialise in TMT as it is a very dynamic and active sector group. The three areas require different, yet complementary, skills and knowledge bases and I find it a more diverse learning and working environment than a single focus team. However, beyond such sector specific tools, the work at a junior level is broadly similar to that in other sectors – I support the team in developing concepts, researching and analysing strategic opportunities for both clients and potential clients and executing transactions of various natures, ranging from advice on the sale/acquisition of assets to broader finance and financing assignments.

A dynamic industry may result in unpredictable hours; however, as you continue to gain experience the balance becomes easier to manage.

Banking abroad

TMT is a highly global sector with a large number of cross-border transactions. This offers the opportunity to travel – I recently spent time in Turkey, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan working with clients.