Graduate Case Studies - Soteris Nicolaou - Derivatives Analyst - Credit Vanilla Tactical Team
Name: Soteris Nicolaou
Degree and university: BA in Computer and Electrical Engineering, The University of Athens
MSc in Mathematical Trading & Finance, City University London Cass Business School
Job title: Derivatives Analyst
What do you actually do?
I am a member of the Credit Vanilla Tactical Team in Soc Gen in London. As a team we provide front office support and solutions to the credit derivatives desk.
What skills do you need to do your job?
Besides the obvious, good programming skills, good communication is vital and financial understanding is crucial. As we have to work under tight deadlines and a stressful environment being able to stay focused and providing reliable solutions is very important.
How did you know you wanted a career in finance?
I knew that I wanted to do IT. But the finance part came half way through my undergraduate degree. I had taken a couple of finance modules offered through my course program and I really enjoyed them. Since then I was planning to get an IT job in finance. I find the financial markets very interesting and from my job point of view someone could really use his skills and innovation to make a difference.
Would you undertake further training to further your career?
At the moment I don't plan to take any training. As I am a recent graduate, I want to get hands on experience and my role is offering my plenty of that.
What are the high and low points of your job?
Working long hours is the major setback but on the other hand sitting on the trading floor you get lots of exposure to the financial markets which you could potentially use for a career path change in the future. You also get satisfaction from the fact that a tool that you have developed is '"making" for the bank.
What advice would you give graduates who want a career in finance?
In my opinion, identifying what exactly it is that you want is the first step. The finance career market is huge so graduates need to focus on a smaller range of potential career paths. I chose to do IT in Investment Banking. Secondly, solid finance knowledge and understanding is very important (both, at recruitment process and at your job). So, I would advise that students targeting careers in finance to consume every available finance resource offered by their under/post graduate courses.
Add to
Send to a friend
Post a comment
Comments
No comments....
Graduate Employers
| AXA UK | With 210,000 employees and distributors worldwide and a presence i... | more |
| PwC | PwC is the one firm for all talented graduates. As one of the wor... | more |
| Bank of England | Few organisations play a more influential role in the UK’s e... | more |
| Mountbatten Institute | The Mountbatten Institute is a not-for-profit organization that ad... | more |
| VT Group | VT Group has been operating a successful graduate scheme since 200... | more |
| Ernst & Young | Ernst & Young is 135,000 people, in 700 locations, working with ou... | more |
| Scottish Investment Operations | SIO is a professional body representing major employers in the Sco... | more |
| eFinancialCareers | The interactive Student Centre on eFinancialCareers.com is for stu... | more |
| Nationwide | Nationwide is the world’s largest building society with more... | more |
| Bank of America | Bank of America serves clients in 175 countries and has relationsh... | more |
Latest Graduate Jobs
| Title | Organisation | Apply by |
|---|---|---|
Insight Business Placement Programme with PwC 2012
|
PwC | 30 Aug 2012 |
| Full Time Graduate opportunities within Financial Advisory w... | PwC | 31 Aug 2012 |
| Full Time Graduate opportunities within Tax with PwC - Autum... | PwC | 31 Aug 2012 |
| Graduate opportunities with Centrica | Centrica | Apply today |
| Just graduated? Looking for the best way into banking and fi... | Quartic Training | 31 Jan 2010 |
Graduate Case Studies
|
DR ANA ARMSTRONG - CHAIRMANDr Ana Armstrong is Chairman of Distinction Asset Management ... more |
|
ALEXANDER VAN HOLK-ASSOCIATE INVESTMENT BANKERAlexander van Holk did a BA in International Economics & Business and MSc in Finance at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. He’s now an associate in the investment banking division of Morgan Stanley. ... more |
|
Catalina Secreteanu - Information Officer - Uk Sustainable Investment and Finance AssociationMy advice for graduates who are considering finance is to seriously consider a career in sustainable finance, rather than just any finance path. ... more |
|
Soteris Nicolaou - Derivatives Analyst - Credit Vanilla Tactical TeamI am a member of the Credit Vanilla Tactical Team in Soc Gen in London. As a team we provide front office support and solutions to the credit derivatives desk. ... more |
Graduate Advice
|
The insurance industry: what the jobs are and how to get them... more |
|
See the world, start your career and earn some money banking... more |
|
Are you interested in a career in finance but worried that you didn't do... more |
|
Your guide to who has jobs, who wants interns and who needs trainees.... more |
Comments