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Alison, Senior Equity Portfolio Manager at Allspring Global Investments: Advize Career Interview
A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager at Allspring Global Investments, a leader in the field, shares insights into a dynamic career.
The interview reveals a path built on diverse experiences, beginning with a Navy internship and encompassing buy-side trading, international studies in Japan, and roles at Fidelity and other prominent firms.
A political economy major with accounting and financial analysis courses, the professional's academic background underscores the value of a versatile education.
Daily responsibilities involve managing significant assets in emerging markets, leading a team of analysts, and engaging in critical thinking and communication.
The most rewarding aspects include leveraging diverse experiences for decision-making, interacting with CEOs, and the constant dynamism of the stock market.
Success in this field requires passion for capital markets, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Aspiring professionals should consider entry-level buy-side or sell-side positions.
A crucial lesson learned is the importance of adapting to evolving economic landscapes.
The interview concludes with a candid perspective on the significant time commitment and challenges associated with this demanding but rewarding career path.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alison Shimada
Senior Equity Portfolio Manager
Allspring Global Investments
UC Berkeley
Harvard Business School, MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Honors Student
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Career Path Of A Social Science Major Finding A First Job
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, advises social science majors lacking detail-orientation to leverage their major's versatility, highlighting that "it's very...applicable to a lot of different careers." The broad skillset gained from such a major is valuable, even outweighing a STEM background, as demonstrated by Alison's own career path and preference for candidates with diverse experiences and perspectives.
Responsibilities of a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager at Allspring Global Investments
Alison's career path began with a multi-year internship at the US Navy's supply center, followed by buy-side trading at a hedge fund and a Rotary scholarship to study Japanese in Japan. This led to roles at Fidelity Investments in Tokyo, a Malaysian firm managing Malaysian stocks, UC Regents, Wells Capital Management, culminating in their current position as a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager and head of an emerging markets team at Allspring Global Investments after "a total of about 20 years" with the firm.
A Day In The Life Of A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments
Alison's main responsibilities as a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager at Allspring Global Investments include managing assets invested in "public equities, investments in emerging markets" across approximately 24 countries, and managing a team of seven analysts to "find the best investments and outperform the benchmark." This showcases a career encompassing both significant financial management and leadership of a team of investment professionals.
Top Skills For A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments
A senior emerging market portfolio manager's day begins with reviewing global news and client cash balances, followed by meetings focusing on specific regions like Latin America, Asia, or EMEA, discussing "geopolitical issues, national issues, regulation," and investment ideas. The role also involves "PR work," such as conferences and interviews, and concludes with monitoring Asian markets and collaborating with analysts on trading decisions.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, emphasizes that strong communication skills are crucial for conveying investment ideas and macroeconomic perspectives, especially given the current work environment. Furthermore, the ability to engage in "critical thinking," making independent decisions, and collaborating effectively within a team are essential for success in portfolio management, requiring a mindset focused on collective client benefit rather than individual accolades.
What A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager Enjoys At Allspring Global Investments
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role the ability to leverage "many, many different types of situations" experienced throughout her career to make forward-looking decisions. This includes the unique opportunity to interact with CEOs daily, gaining valuable insights that inform their investment strategies.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Finance Industry As A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, identifies the most significant challenge as maintaining "extremely clear thinking" and "stamina" due to the demanding nature of constantly monitoring news, deeply understanding companies, and the cumulative knowledge required for success in the field. This highlights the intense mental acuity and perseverance needed for a long-term career in investment management.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Investment Industry, According To An Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, finds the daily dynamism of the stock market most rewarding, stating that "every day is different" and requires a "well-rounded" understanding of the world. This constant learning and mental stimulation are key aspects of what makes the investment industry so engaging for Alison.
What A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Wishes They Had Known Before Entering The Investment Management Industry
Success in the investment industry hinges on a genuine passion for capital markets and a deep fascination with businesses, viewing them as "really people," and understanding their operational contexts across diverse global environments. Alison's career highlights the importance of this intrinsic interest, citing a love for "finding good companies to invest in" and engaging with individuals driving those companies as key drivers of success.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Senior Equity Portfolio Managers
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, wishes someone had warned her that reaching her current position would take "40 years," highlighting the significant time commitment and challenges, especially for women, in remaining within the industry. The long hours, extensive travel, and life's competing demands make it a demanding career path, yet Alison expresses pride in persevering.
Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments
Entry-level investment analyst positions on the "buy-side" (investment firms) or "sell-side" (brokerage firms) are typical starting points, offering "apprenticeship-type roles" where aspiring professionals learn financial analysis and corporate interactions. Many other client-facing roles within investment companies or on trading desks can also serve as valuable entry points into the investment management industry.
College Experiences That Helped A Senior Equity Portfolio Manager At Allspring Global Investments Succeed
Alison, a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager, emphasizes the crucial lesson of recognizing that "conditions do change" in economies, especially emerging markets. This necessitates adapting investment strategies to reflect the evolving patterns of economic development and a country's unique circumstances.
How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager's Career at Allspring Global Investments
To prepare for a career in finance, Alison proactively joined relevant organizations like the Asian Business Association and pursued a diverse academic background, including a political economy major with accounting and financial analysis courses, describing this as "having a wide range of academic exposure." Experiences like studying in Japan also broadened their perspective and facilitated networking through "informal interviews with people" in desired fields.
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