Meet Shiqi He - Graduate graduate in Flow Strategy & Solutions and Exchange Traded Derivatives

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I studied Economics at the University of Edinburgh and hold a Master’s Degree in Investment Management from Bayes Business School. My career began at CACIB, where I worked in Rate and Cross-Asset Trading support. However, my true passion lies in being closer to the market, which led me to transition into a front-office role. I joined the Societe Generale Flow Strategy and Solutions team as a trainee. After nearly 10 months into my traineeship, I was fortunate to secure a position as a graduate.                                                                                                                                                                        

What is your role and how long have you been here?

I have been with Societe Generale for two years. Currently, I am a graduate in both the Flow Strategy & Solutions team and the Exchange Traded Derivatives team. My main responsibilities include generating trade ideas, developing investment strategies, and creating hedging solutions across Equity, FX and Fixed Income products for institutional clients.

What inspired you to apply for this role/this company?

SG is renowned as a leading derivatives house, making it an excellent place to start my career in one of the most professional banks in the industry. Here, I have the opportunity to learn from derivatives experts and build valuable relationships. The Flow Strategy team is unique due to its cross-asset nature, providing exposure to a wide range of products. As a Strategist, I get to collaborate with various functions – understanding clients’ needs with sales, discussing market insights with research and working with traders to build the products. The steep learning curve in this role keeps me motivated and continually engaged.

What has been the single most important thing you have learnt so far in your job?

The most important lesson I’ve learned is to always be curious. Be curious about people to better communicate and build relationships. Be curious about products to excel in your role. Be curious about new trends to keep learning and innovating. In this fast-paced and increasingly complex industry, maintaining a sense of curiosity about your work and identifying potential opportunities is crucial.

How important is diversity to you and what is your team doing in this space at the moment?

Diversity is incredibly important to me as it fosters an environment where different perspectives and experiences drive innovation and creativity. It also promotes inclusivity, making sure everyone feels valued and respected, which is essential for both personal and professional growth.

In my team, we have a diverse group of people with different backgrounds and origins, including colleagues from Europe, Asia, and South Africa. We respect everyone’s voice and support each other. Our varied backgrounds foster meaningful conversations and deep exchanges, helping us think from different dimensions and consider more comprehensive information when developing trading ideas and investment strategies.