On 8th October 2024, over 100 alumni, parents, and current students gathered at FTI Consulting at Aldersgate in London, where we were generously hosted by Charles Palmer (1985, F), for RadSoc’s most successful business networking event to date: Navigating Careers in Investment.
The event, which was fully booked, offered invaluable insights into the world of investment careers, covering both established roles and the emerging changes in the sector.
Our expert panel was:
- Alan Vaksman (Radley Parent), Founder & Managing Partner, Launchbay Capital VC
- Tom Holbrook (2006, D), Portfolio Manager, Cazenove Charities
- Max Bullen-Smith (2004, E), Investment Director: Head of M&A, Ardonagh Specialty
- Alex Bowden (1986, F), Managing Partner at Evelyn Partners
- Moderator: Philip Guest (Radley Parent), Founder of Oxford Strategy and Futurist
Our panel opened the evening by describing their own roles and sharing the routes they had taken into the sector. Following this introduction, the Q&A explored the broad career opportunities within investment, from asset management and private equity to venture capital and wealth management. They shared practical advice on how to apply for roles in the sector, the key skills required to thrive, and how to stand out in a competitive market. Particularly timely topics included the evolving investment landscape, driven by technological advances such as the impact of AI and shifting economic priorities such as ethical and socially responsible investing.
“What a fabulous event! There was so much energy and so many excellent questions!” – Joanna, Radley parent.
Questions posed by the audience included: “Is the interest in socially responsible investment that we saw during covid starting to decline?” and “Knowing what you know now, would you still go into investment, or what other industries would you be keen to explore?”
Following the panel, attendees broke out into smaller groups for more in-depth group networking sessions, facilitated by our speakers. These group discussions allowed participants to ask specific questions about the day-to-day realities of working in investment, current trends within the industry, and how to best position themselves for a career that would be increasingly shaped by data analytics and AI tools.
“It was fantastic connecting with experts from finance and investment – a great reminder of how important it is to keep your network strong!” – William (2014, F)
The evening concluded with open networking over drinks and canapés. This allowed guests to pick up conversations from earlier in the evening, exchange contact details and establish new professional connections.
This event marks another milestone for RadSoc’s thriving professional network, and we are grateful to all our panellists and attendees who made the evening a success.
To explore other RadSoc business networking events, visit our YouTube channel where recordings of both networking events and our Beyond Radley careers series are available.
Visit the RadSoc Business Network page for more information about the Radley community’s thriving professional network, and for links to Radley Connect, our online networking and careers platform.
