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Will Ketterer

High point so far?

Being given the opportunity to succeed in different parts of the firm.

Why financial markets?

For the challenge, variety and experience. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the buzz of a trading floor to teach focus, discipline and how to handle pressure!

Why KBC FP?

Actually, KBC chose me. It was a complete accident. I was going to trade listed options on the floor of the PHLX, but decided against it.

Any tips?

I’d suggest interviewees try to think in terms of applying their academic know-how to the real world.

How is KBC FP different?

KBC is much less political than most banks. The hierarchy is very flat. You’ll work closely with MDs on a daily basis, and they’ll start giving you responsibility as soon as you can handle it. Also, the people are just nicer.

A typical day?

I spend most of my day creating, improving, and closing Premium Finance deals. I spend a lot of time on conference calls, talking to lawyers, and generally trying to find ways around problems we inevitably run into.

Are you challenged?

For sure! I work with a group of very smart people. In an area that is brand new. The intricacy of our transactions means we need to be on our toes – at all times!

Given responsibility?

I manage our relationship with several counterparties, and handle the “trading” side of the business.

Get client exposure?

I speak with them directly several times per day.

What about career progression?

As long as you demonstrate the desire and ability to take it on, the firm will give you more and more responsibility.

Do you enjoy going to work?

Absolutely. It’s very rewarding to watch months of work come to fruition when a deal closes.

Any special qualities and skills?

You need to be able to learn quickly. You must be able to work with anyone. And you really have to want to succeed!

Are your views listened to?

Yes. But that means you need to pay even closer attention to what you’re doing. It’s impossible to fake a conversation with a senior trader! Don’t try it!

How do senior colleagues treat you?

Very well. The senior people here don’t carry a sense of entitlement. Everyone is here to do the best job they can. As long as you do the same, people will respect you.

How about that ‘work/life’ balance?

Mm. Good, I’d say.

Formal, or Informal environment?

We wear jeans and t-shirts to work.

What are the working hours?

It depends on your group, but probably not more than 12 hours per day. Because my role is centered on whether deals close, my hours are highly volatile. Some weeks I work from 7am until midnight, other weeks I’m here from 7am to 6pm.

What are the people like?

The people really are very down-to-earth. You could ask anyone in the firm about their job, or what they did last weekend, and they’d happily chat with you.

How about your boss?

We get on just fine. Like most bosses at KBC, he pushes us to do our best work. But he pushes himself just as hard.

Like most?

I like the contact with counterparties and creation of deals best. I like reading documents the least!

What have you learned?

I’ve learned greater discipline and attention to detail. I’ve learned a lot about strategy and how to think about using academic knowledge within the context of business.

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?

Yes. Often.

Favorite thing? Got one?

Is this question a joke? My favorite thing is a warm, soft chocolate chip cookie, okay?

Be candid. Any issues?

Depends on the issue. For most things I go to one of my two bosses.

Describe your personality:

Personable, outgoing, down to earth.

Any outside interests?

Skiing, tennis, traveling