Taking stock

What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

I worked at Clinton Cards in Oxford as a sales assistant. My duties included stock management, operating the tills and customer service.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

It was about £680 which I spent on clothes, shoes, phone bill, bus fare, coffee and croissant (every morning from AMT on Cornmarket Street) Describe how you career developed to the present day.

When I left Cokethorpe School at 16 I did not know what I wanted to do, so decided to go into work full-time, rather than stay on for sixth form.

I started at Clinton’s but I knew I did not want to work in retail forever.

Then I got a job at a new hair salon that opened in Witney where I was training to become a colourist which took me two years. After nearly five years there I wanted to try something different and luck was on my side when I got the role at accountancy firm James Cowper in Botley as a receptionist.

Initially it was to cover maternity leave, but became permanent when my predecessor did not return. My role developed to become PA to one of the partners which gained me valuable knowledge in all aspects of business.

The company merged with insolvency firm Buchanans last year and i became part of that team. I decided a change of career was needed and wanted to stay within the professions, which is when I approached Charles Stanley.

My role started as providing secretarial support, which after six months progressed to broker’s assistant with the potential of progressing further. I have now commenced my studies to become a stockbroker and I hope to sit the first set of exams within six months. Watch this space!

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

Providing administrative assistance to two brokers, organising events/lunches/meetings and collating documents needed, day to day office management, reports, performance figures, asset allocation, data, etc.

Describe a typical day Every one of them is different! However, the basis of the day is — check e-mails, bacon baguette run with coffee, investment meeting, telephone calls with intermediaries and internal departments on a range of matters, client interaction, setting up/attending meetings/lunches, weekly website analytics.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

There have been various people who I have come across within my career that have ‘advised’ me along the way, but really it is down to me and the decisions I have made.

What has been your best decision?

To join Charles Stanley. It is a cliché I know but it’s a great company and with very good prospects which I hope will give me a long and happy career And your worst?

Taking advice from people I shouldn’t — both professionally and personally.

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

Have an interest in the investment markets, be consistent and develop good communication skills.

What is the secret of good management?

Good organisational and people skills, politeness, attention to detail, knowledge and honesty What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

Reading (Martina Cole), football (Arsenal), walking my dog (Max — Border Terrier), spending time with family and friends Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Laziness and rudeness.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

Charles Stanley is a big company and it is development will be driven by our board. But at local office level we will be doing all we can to increase funds under management, deliver good service to clients and grow the team.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

Proving to myself that I can do anything if I put my mind to it.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

I do not think I am qualified yet to answer this question – but it is something for me to look at and consider.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I think we all need to respect it and be aware that ultimately what we do now will affect future generations. In our office we all either ride or walk to work, so we are doing our bit to help.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

Communication and team work.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

Working with animals — I have always owned pets including a horse when I was at school. They are always there when you need a hug!

What would you like to do when you retire?

Move to the Caribbean and relax — but that is a long way off!

Name: Ria Shepheard Age: 26 Job: Broker’s assistant Time in job: Ten months Web: www.oxford.charles-stanley.co.uk Contact: ria.shepheard@charles-stanley.co.uk ib