Virginie Maisonneuve, Head of multi-regional equities, Schroders

From politics to finance

I graduated with my first degree in France in the 1980s and went to work for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing. While there, I attended political economy classes and became interested in an investment management career. I thought it would be a career in which I’d never be bored – and I was right.

Broadening my horizons

I worked in Scotland, Boston, New York and California before taking up an investment officer role with Schroders in London. Each role was an important step in its own right: I gained experience of the industry and knowledge of the companies I worked for. Living abroad also meant that I got the chance to observe many different types of society and market economies, so it was very helpful in terms of broadening my horizons.

Becoming a global citizen

I enjoy the international aspect of my work. Business styles differ across the globe and I find it helpful to be on location to get a feel for things; not only to meet the management but to see the factories, for example, and get a direct understanding of what the company does. Although I’m based in London, my mandate is global so I travel extensively and consider myself a global citizen. Each of my career moves has had a different impetus – sometimes it has been to tackle a new challenge, such as setting up one of the first funds in China in the early 1990s, and sometimes it has been driven by personal reasons.

Advice for graduates

Finance careers are about ideas and anyone can be successful if they’re prepared to put in the work. It’s always easier to work hard when you enjoy what you do and where you work so choose carefully: try new things and be adventurous – you never know what you might like.