Meet our people: Arif

Investment analyst - Investment consulting

BSc industrial economics, University of Warwick

"It’s a great job, everyone is hard working and intelligent - yet you still have fun and there is a good work life balance."

I knew I wanted to work for a large, successful firm with great people where I could progress quickly if I proved myself. Mercer meets all these expectations, I’m working with some of the most intelligent people in the industry yet it’s also a relatively relaxed environment.

My days are really varied and interesting and since I joined in 2007, I’ve been able to gain exposure to all the different areas of investment that Mercer is involved in. I complete quarterly monitoring reports, write complex papers on different asset classes and pull together presentations on which strategy a pension fund should pursue. It’s challenging and rewarding to consider all the asset classes and client objectives and then create different strategies depending on the unique situation.

I really enjoy dealing with clients of varying investment knowledge and having regular client and investment management interaction. I’m continually balancing work between different clients and managing a whole range of queries. I think the highlight for me so far has been getting involved with the hedge fund research team and meeting a number of fund or hedge fund managers because this is an area which I’ve always been interested in. That’s the great thing about Mercer - you’re able to drive your career in the direction you want it to go.

I’m currently studying for my CFA and will be sitting CFA level I in December. I’ve experienced excellent support, particularly from my buddy, my partnering for success advisor and my manager.

To be a successful investment consultant, it is important to have a genuine interest in investments as well as having strong communication and interpersonal skills because you are in constant contact with clients, investment managers and senior consultants. It’s a great job, everyone is hard working and intelligent - yet you still have fun and there is a good work life balance.

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