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Rebecka Rothstein

High points so far

When I got my first order! Or rather, when I first got an order from one of my own clients to buy a Japanese stock.

Why financial markets?

My interest here grew stronger while I studied at University. I wanted to be in a fast-moving environment. One that gives me the opportunity to travel and work abroad. A challenging job – where I can use and develop a wide range of skills.

Why KBC FP?

It has a terrific reputation in the market. I liked the idea of working for a smaller bank where you’re not just one of a very large number of graduates that all joined at the same time. Also, a friend of mine worked for KBC FP and he only had good things to say.

Application process?

Fairly informal. I met with head of the department and then a few of the team members.

Any tips?

Yes. Don’t overstate your CV. It’s quite obvious when people do this! Depending on the job you’re applying for, try to keep up-to-date with news and trends in the market place. And ask questions!

How is KBC FP different?

Well, they’re smaller. We have a lot more flexibility in meeting clients’ needs. Also gives you the opportunity to create your own role, get involved in lots of different areas and take on responsibility really early on.

What were your expectations?

Wasn’t sure, really. KBC FP is a lot more dynamic than what I expected a ‘typical’ investment bank to be.

A typical day?

I start off by catching up with what’s happened in the Japan market overnight with morning call with our Tokyo office. Then I spend most of the day discussing ideas with clients and colleagues. Like recommending stocks. Buy, or sell stuff? The job involves doing a lot of research – analyst reports, news ... those kinds of things.

Are you challenged?

Constantly! The market changes constantly ndash; and you have to keep up with news etc and communicate relevant info to clients. You have to critically analyze company info and reports and generate your own investment ideas by having your own, personal approach and adding value.

Given responsibility?

Yes. I’m still quite new to the Japan market. But that doesn’t stop me speaking to clients with 10-15 years’ experience!

Get client exposure?

Every day. On the phone, or in meetings.

What about career progression?

Show ambition – and do a good job – and you will get recognized for that. There are loads of opportunities to develop your career – either within your ‘original’ team or in other areas. Myself, I progressed to the Japan desk after having worked within the Fund Derivatives team for two years.

Do you enjoy going to work?

Absolutely. No two days are the same. I’m learning new things all the time. There’s a great atmosphere in my team. In fact, in the whole place!

Any special qualities and skills?

Enthusiasm and self-motivation are probably the two most important things. As a sales person, it’s also essential to have good communication skills – and to be able to build good relationships with clients.

Are your views listened to?

Because the company has a very flat management structure, you work closely with the most senior people in the company. Suggestions and views are encouraged and always listened to.

How do senior colleagues treat you?

In my experience, everyone is treated equally – no matter what level you’re on.

How about Training?

You learn on the job – from the people around you who have more experience.

How about that ‘work/life’ balance?

Mm. Well, because of the nature of my job, I have to start early in the mornings. But that means I don’t have to work too late in the evenings! We all put in fairly long hours – but I always find I’ve still got time to socialize etc as well. And we never work weekends!

Formal, or Informal environment?

The dress code is the most obvious one – no dress code. And there’s a foosball table in the kitchen! Although everyone takes their job seriously and work very hard, there’s a very relaxed atmosphere with very little hierarchy. Everyone likes to have a laugh...

What are the working hours?

I work 6.30am – 6.00pm ... approximately!

What are people like?

Friendly, fun, young, intelligent, hard working. You get the feeling everyone really enjoys working here.

Like most?

I love the ever-changing environment. Every day there’s something new going on, something new to talk about... I also like the fact that I interact with people all the time. Clients and colleagues. The opportunity to travel is a bonus, too. I go to Japan a few times a year to visit companies and I also travel within Europe to see clients.

What have you learned?

I’ve gained a better understanding of how the market works and how different investors operate. And I’ve learned how to analyze companies and reports, understand valuations – and to know what questions to ask!

What are you career ambitions?

Still have a lot to learn in the role that I’m in now. I’d like to carry on developing my skills in this field and take on bigger accounts. Possibly move to the buy-side – maybe become a fund manager – sometime in the future.

Do you have time to socialize?

Sure. We go out for team lunches and for drinks and event things after work. Because we’re a smaller company, we tend to go out ‘all together’. This is great because you get to know people in other areas.

Be candid. Any issues?

I’d speak to my colleagues or my boss – depending on the problem.

What’s you personality?

Outgoing. I like talking to people. Like you!

Lessons from KBC FP?

That you can achieve a lot more than you think you can. And that it’s very much up to you what you get out of your job.

Any Outside Interests?

Traveling, skiing, photography