Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Jennifer Cornick
ZEDRA’s Jersey based Fiduciary Investment Services Senior Manager, Jennifer Cornick, shares her key learning and explains why the world of Investment services can be exciting, enlightening and challenging.
How did you get into the industry?
I joined Lloyds in a fund dealing role following a work experience placement. After four years with Lloyds, I was looking for a change, so I applied for a job at RBC with the performance monitoring team. The female management there were really encouraging, supporting me through my initial exams and involving me in meetings.
As my role and team evolved, I then pursued an investment support role at Barclays (which became ZEDRA). The role was a great opportunity to take my performance monitoring and interpersonal skills to the next level. Since joining, I have gone from investment support, to analyst, to manager and now senior manager level.
What has been a key learning in your career?
Throughout my near 17 years in the investment industry, two things jump out. Firstly, make the most of having encouraging, supportive managers and mentors. I have been very lucky to have supportive leaders at ZEDRA who have helped me believe in myself.
Secondly, take a chance. It took a while for me to adjust to client meetings, but I was given a chance to host a client meeting and haven’t looked back.
What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?
Give it a go! If you have a keen eye for detail and if you have an interest in how investments can work, it is a great opportunity.
As a fast paced industry impacted by macroeconomic and geopolitical changes, it’s not for everyone though. I personally find the rollercoaster of investments very interesting.
What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?
The investments industry is still male dominated; however this is definitely changing – we are seeing more women taking on investment manager roles.
There are certainly opportunities out there as more companies become aware of the benefits of having a female presence on their boards etc. I often listen to a podcast hosted by one of the Investment Managers from W1M Investment Management, Alexandra Buchan-Heelas and a friend of hers, Joy Davey.
The podcast is called Women Who Work and the two discuss the challenges of juggling work and motherhood. Being a mother of eight year old twins, I can definitely relate to a lot of what is said!
To find out more about the ways in which Jennifer and our team of Fiduciary Investment specialists can support clients in Jersey and throughout the Channel Islands and beyond, get in touch.