Success Stories

Caroline Davis, Marketing Manager – Group Projects

I joined Schroders in 1979, straight from Newnham College Cambridge, and was placed in the investment research department with responsibility for the UK food, drink, tobacco and hotel sectors. Most of our training was on the job. In ‘Week 2’ I was despatched to Rowntrees in York and was transfixed to discover that they actually polished "Smarties"!

After a year I moved across to managing pension funds and charities, working with a number of senior fund managers, gradually taking over responsibility for managing the funds myself. In ’87 I had six months’ maternity leave, returning full time to the same role before moving into our new marketing department in ’89. I had my third child in ’91 and for the next few years was involved with various marketing projects. Today, I enjoy a half-time contract with responsibility for the Group’s charitable giving and major client events.

Throughout my career Schroders has shown great flexibility and provided good training. The approachability of senior staff and the emphasis on merit rather than age was brilliant whilst I was in my 20s and now that I’m at the upper end of our age spectrum I try to have a similarly status-free attitude.

I was the first woman to manage funds within the UK and I think I helped modernise the company by introducing the first internal newsletter, flowers in reception (which I initially did myself) and daily investment meetings. I’m most proud of what I’ve done recently on promoting the charitable giving of both employees and the Group. It’s the challenge of improving our quality of service and community involvement that I find most stimulating.

I’d highly recommend joining the graduate scheme because it provides an excellent training and introduction to both the City and industry. You’ll be able to make a far more informed decision about your career in a few years time - and you may well decide to stay put (as I did).