TRADING THE WAY TO A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN FINANCE
Clayton Masters' knows the importance of using your connections and upskilling to open up global career opportunities!
What does your current role entail?
I'm currently a foreign exchange trader. I analyse market conditions identifying weak positioning during volatile market conditions and execute short to medium term trades. I manage a portfolio of G10 currency pairs, trading cash FX and options. We analyse our performance and report on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.
How did you end up in a career in treasury/finance?
I knew several traders at the company while still in university and was attracted to the opportunity they described. It brought me to Chicago, and then to London which was a fantastic opportunity to function more independently in a satellite office.
Why did you take this ACT qualification? What was your main objective?
I am looking to make a career change, and was hesitant to completely abandon the skills I have. I saw treasury as a great possibility where I could learn a lot, and bring my own skills to a more practical and structured environment. The Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF) was the logical first step, with the expectation of taking the main certification next. I wanted to be sure when applying to new companies that they could take me seriously, see my commitment to investing in myself and hope that would aid in my consideration.
Which specific areas of your job role will this qualification support?
As a spot trader in the largest market in the world, it’s easy to believe everyone is doing the same thing in the market. But really, I knew there was so much going on that was aiding in real business decisions and beginning to learn those business risk requirements was a clear motivation for me.
How was your experience studying through ACT Learning?
It was great reintroduction to my career education. The self study system allowed me to find my own pace while working full time and book the assessment when I was ready.
Are there particular areas of treasury/finance that this qualification helped you understand even better?
Yes, the formal processes managing risk and error prevention were laid out very clearly. Every business has checks and balances but the formality and regimented processes in treasury appealed to me, there's a right way and a wrong way.
What are the benefits of having professional qualifications to add to your CV/résumé?
Huge. It’s not just a feather in the cap, it's evidence that I value my education and am motivated in my desire to change my career. It proves to employers, but more importantly myself, that I can do this and am interested in treasury.
What happens next in your career and how has this qualification helped?
I hope to make the first step into a treasury role. If my experience is valued, perhaps as an analyst, but would absolutely be willing to support the treasury functions in the back or middle offices as I learn more and find what area would be best for me.