Lizzie Button: Fidelity graduate
Name: Lizzie Button
Employer: Fidelity International
University: University of Southampton
Subject: BA English
Postgraduate qualification: MSc information systems
When I started considering my career options I realised that I could use my IT skills across the world. Roles such as an IT trainer for a property management organisation and in IT support for a software company enhanced my academic knowledge and gave me a better understanding of the user experience.
My job
As a business analyst for a global investment management organisation, my key responsibility is to translate the requirements of the company’s investment professionals into IT solutions that will add value. This means understanding what users need from new or existing systems and documenting these requirements so that they can be accurately communicated. During the graduate programme I have worked at different sites and also dealt with external software suppliers and market data vendors. Most importantly, I have been introduced to all levels of management – even attending a lunch with the chairman where I was able to ask his views on the organisation.
Although an IT background was required for my role, my communication skills, teamworking ability and confidence have been of most use to me. The training I have received has ranged from internal sessions on different departments, to dedicated days looking at presentation skills or employment law, for example. I have also had the opportunity to study for professional qualifications, such as Prince2 Project Management Practitioner Level.
My work environment
I work in our London office, which is based in the City and overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral. Our standard hours are 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, but if I’ve got a tight deadline I can be in the office or working from home after hours.
Career highlights
My first week, when everything was new and exciting, was a definite highlight. As was a business trip to Luxembourg. Spending a lot of my spare time studying for investment exams wasn’t fun but working in a dynamic environment and being presented with new challenges every day keeps me motivated.