Investment Consulting Analyst

Name: Daniel Mussett

Age: 27

Job title: Investment Consulting Analyst

Working hours: 40 per week or as required

Employer: Russell Investment Group

Pay: $50k-$70k plus benefits, depending on qualifications and experience


Qualifications needed: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in commerce and/or a quantitative discipline such as mathematics or statistics. A grounding in both would be preferred, and further specialist study is required, which makes a background in actuarial studies ideal

Career prospects: Advancement to a frontline investment consulting role which focuses on managing client relationships

Q. What do you do?

A. My job revolves largely around providing long-term investment advice to clients. Initially I help them establish what their financial goals are, then I use mathematical models to find the best way for them to achieve them.

I also make use of my employer's knowledge of the investment markets to keep things bedded in a practical context. Once the client's strategy is developed, we help them to invest their money accordingly.

After a client has made their investments, we regularly measure their returns, ensuring they are meeting the objectives originally set.

I also make sure they are aware of anything that might impact on their investment, such as changes to taxation rules or to their investment manager's ability to perform well.

Investing is a risky business and our job at Russell is to help our clients understand and manage the different risks they face.

Because the investment scene is continually changing, I have to keep myself informed of any developments and be aware of any special issues for superannuation schemes and other trusts. This involves a lot of reading and attendance at professional body and industry conferences and seminars.

Some of the work here can get a little dry at times, but luckily I have a creative outlet with my involvement in the marketing and communications team. This allows me to get away from the numbers and delve into words and pictures for a change.

Q. Why did you choose the job?

A. After completing my university studies, I joined a pensions and asset consultancy and began training as an actuary. The use of mathematical models to solve investment and liability problems appealed to me because I enjoy maths and problem-solving in general.

I also discovered that the more challenging problems related to the investment side of the equation.

My employer, Russell, is a global company and so I decided it was the right company to join to pursue a more investment-focused career.

Q. What's the best part of the job?

A. Without a doubt, the people I work with. The team is extremely talented - they are first-rate professional people who are focused on achieving great results.

They all come from different backgrounds and have a wide range of interests and other talents that complement their financial skills nicely. This makes for a together, fun team of great thinkers who could never be accused of being one-dimensional.

Q. What are your strengths?

A. I believe I am personable, a good communicator and goal-driven. I enjoy being an active participant in a winning team. Being good at maths helps too - that's why they hired me! While my job and the professional development required of me can be taxing, I feel I have been successful at balancing this with having a fun time outside of study and work.

Q. What are your goals?

A. I believe everyone's main goal in life should simply be to be happy and to make other people happy. This covers everything.

My biggest professional goal for now is to finish my final specialist actuarial exams in September.

I will then be fully qualified after five years of hard slog.

Following that, I want to refine my practical investment knowledge further and take on more responsibility for the financial well-being of my clients.

Finally, I'd like to take a more active, creative and constructive role in the actuarial profession.

Q. What would you tell others?

A. If you are considering an actuarial career you are in for a big challenge.