I hadn’t set out to work in pensions. I was studying French at university and was looking at graduate opportunities in HR and finance. A chance conversation at a graduate recruitment day about a role which was described as ‘a little bit HR, a little bit finance’ piqued my interest, and started me off on a journey that would eventually take me to the other side of the world and back again.

My first role was in an in-house administration team. It wasn’t fun entering hundreds of new joiners into the admin system. However, I craved knowledge and was surrounded by management who encouraged me to take the PMI exams. The opportunity to learn and the constant variety in the work kept me interested.

Before long I had achieved the PMI Associateship and moved into my first pensions and benefits management role for an international news agency. Here I was first exposed to international pensions and benefits which gave me the opportunity to continue learning and to study for the Diploma in International Employee Benefits.

I was lucky enough to meet several inspirational people in this role and did most of my practical ‘on the job learning’ here.

This was particularly with regard to project management and problem solving. It was in this role that I first became acquainted with the GO team, who made a lasting impression. I subsequently moved on to an international pensions and benefits role with a global mining company. During the 10 years I spent with this organisation I travelled extensively. Working in Europe, the USA, Asia, and spending over 5 years living in Australia; in roles spanning international pensions, benefits and broader reward.

By 2019 I was ready for a change from in-house roles and returned to the UK. I took up a consulting role with Go Pensions in early 2020. Having known the team at GO for 15 years, I was excited to work with them and to add value to different types of client projects.

I was delighted when I was invited to become a director at GO where truly exciting things are happening. I’m particularly proud of the work we have done in the Master Trust and consolidation space. We’ve developed great relationships with the providers, and it’s an interesting time to be on the frontline. I can’t wait to develop our consulting services further in this area and share our findings with the industry at the PMI Pensions Aspects Live on 2 December.

Despite all the diversity I have experienced in my career to date, there are really two constants: the variety in pensions and benefits which always brings opportunities to learn, and the great people we have in our industry. Without the people who have inspired me throughout my career I would not have experienced nearly as much. This variety of experience helps me understand and address the differing needs of our clients. My advice to anyone starting out in pensions is to take every opportunity you are presented with. It might be a chance conversation, but you never know where it will take you!