An interview with Joanne La Porte, Investment Solutions Analyst

Could you tell us about yourself and your background?
My first introduction to the financial services industry came at university while I was studying for my BSc in Economics, I completed a 12 month industrial placement in the risk department at UBS. I went back there after I graduated for a further 12 months and then have been at Aspect ever since. I am heavily into food (particularly the eating part) and I am fairly creative - I actually rediscovered my love for painting during this year’s lockdown.

Did you always want to work in the financial services industry?

No, I really didn’t know what I wanted to do back then. I just knew I enjoyed learning and problem solving. There are so many different routes you can take with your career, it can be a bit overwhelming but you won’t know unless you try. At school I always loved maths, so I thought I should choose some maths-based subjects at college. Then at college I had my first foray into economics, loved everything about it and knew I wanted to go to University to study it further.

When did you join Aspect and what is your role?

I joined Aspect’s Investor Relations team in October 2014. My previous roles at UBS were in their risk department so the role I was taking up at Aspect was very different. The Investor Relations role was a really good move for me career-wise. It allowed me to get exposure to all areas of Aspect’s business and learn a lot while developing my ‘soft’ skills, which are arguably the most important skills if you want to work well in any organisation. Then in February 2019 I moved across to my current role, which is in the Investment Solutions Team. One of the many benefits of working for a company of Aspect’s size is the flexibility: if you work hard and demonstrate aptitude then opportunities can present themselves to take your career in different directions. The roles are dynamic and constantly developing in line with the direction of the business, which helps keep things both interesting and challenging.

How would you describe your standard day?

Given the client facing nature of the Investment Solutions role, no two days are ever going to be identical. Our work adapts depending on what the clients’ needs are. Some typical tasks include putting together client materials to explain portfolio performance and research enhancements as well as carrying out analysis to help provide clients with customised solutions. The market environment is ever changing and our strategies are constantly evolving too - it is that variety and dynamism that is my favourite part of the role. It helps that I am part of a great team too who I am constantly learning from.

What's been the most unexpected thing about finance?

I feel very lucky to be part of Aspect, the culture is incredible and it is by far the best and most unexpected thing about my role. It’s quite hard to explain but once you’ve met people who work here you’ll get it.

What would be your advice to those considering a role in the industry?

Try it. It’s such a dynamic industry undergoing constant change and growth so requires businesses and their employees to be really forward-thinking in order to succeed. If you enjoy a faster pace of work and are up for a challenge, a role in this industry will really benefit you regardless of what you choose to do next.

Are there any blogs or podcasts that you follow religiously that you think others might be interested in?

I am on the FT online every day, it’s a very easy and digestible way to stay on top of what’s going on in the markets and global economy. I don’t really do finance podcasts! The only podcasts I listen to frequently are focused on your mental and physical well-being. Here to Thrive is one I follow regularly on mental health.