Current Role: I am currently a Managing Director in Blackstone’s private wealth group and I am responsible for our fundraising activities across 10 countries in EMEA.
What is the biggest mistake you have made since graduating and what have you learned from it?
One of my biggest mistakes is my lack of patience with what comes next. Remember that your career is going to be long and the most important thing you can do at the very beginning is just to learn, make the most of every opportunity and be patient for the next steps.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard is that, when job hunting, people should focus not just on choosing the right job but choosing the right team. On paper a role might seem perfect but if that job is part of a team that isn’t going to train and support you, then it will be harder to succeed. Remember when you go through an interview process it is a two-way street, and you should learn a lot about the organisation, their culture and their values during the interviews to ensure it will be a good fit.
What have you learned since graduating that could be helpful to other graduates like you?
The importance of building and maintaining great personal connections. You never get a second chance to make a great first impression so always be on time, professional and work hard.
Can you recommend us something?
I think in general there is a lack of financial literacy in many countries. There is a great Bloomberg podcast called ‘Merryn talks money’ that distils the basics of personal finance.
Young alumni professional event
Join Hector as he shares insights on building your personal brand and how he has navigated imposter syndrome in the corporate world. Meet with other ambitious young professionals and walk away with the confidence to grow your network.
Wednesday 8 October, 18.30 – 21.00; London
Register: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/alumni/events/items/2025/young-professionals-networking-event-oct-2025