A conversation with our university intern Ronald Azechio
Question 1: Tell us about yourself and the journey you have had so far leading you to work for CJFP as an intern:
Originally from Cameroon, I came to the UK after my A-levels to pursue a course in Aerospace Engineering. Being a STEM student from inception, I was curious to explore different realms that will boost my understanding of the modern economy as well as discern which instruments will make the determinants of success in the next decade or two. Having noticed how promising financial services were in an ageing society and how vital the financial sector was in the UK economy; I grew more interested in acquiring extensive knowledge and possibly pursuing a career in this area. By some luck, I happened to hear about it by word of mouth and stumbled on an opportunity for career advice on The Well Sheffield through days later. I then decided to contact Dean Thorpe who was open to offer me career advice and eventually an intern role at CJFP.
Question 2: You’re still at university, how do you balance work and university?
As a part-time worker at CJFP, I have plenty of time left during the week to focus on my studies and projects. However, there can be occasional disruptions to this tranquillity during peak times (around exams or assessment submission dates). Sharing these concerns with Dean ahead of time allows him to be flexible and offer holiday on short notice if required. My manager (Graham) is also flexible about restructuring workload amongst IFA adviser supports in such times so operations run smoothly.
Question 3: How many days are you in the office?
I am in twice a week.
Question 4: As the newest member of the Charles James team, how have you found your experience? What is the atmosphere like in the office and the team as a whole?
At CJFP, it is fair to say we have got all sorts of fun characters and you will click with everyone in the team. There are extroverts and introverts within the team, and you would find me somewhere in the middle. We all love football and sports in general. Lastly, we are all supportive of one another and this is the DNA at CJFP.
Question 5: What does a normal 'office day' look like for you?
In the morning, I do a quick scan through my emails and work group messages on Microsoft Teams. I then proceed to answer a few emails and scan postal documents we have received. By 10:00am, I am immersed in the work of the day, be it updating portfolio, chasing providers, filing, updating records, sorting birthday cards and many other things. I have a 30 minute break between 12pm and 2pm after which I return to the work I was doing before. During the above operations, I also answer phone calls and do coffee rounds alongside my colleagues. By 16:30, I occasionally wash a few mugs, pull window blinds and by 16:45 I take the post bag to the post office after which I return to the train station and return home.
Question 6: What tasks do you mainly focus on?
I mostly focus on updating portfolio, chasing providers, filling, updating records, sorting birthday cards, scanning documents, posting documents, receiving clients at the door and my favourite, ringing clients to give them an update (with my manager's permission).
Question 7: How do you find communicating with CJFP clients on the phone / greeting visitors to the office?
It is one of the core experiences I was looking for as an intern. Communicating and interacting with clients daily adds to my confidence to handle situations professionally and you can always tell if you are good with how pleased they are with you.
Question 8: What is the number one thing you have learnt from your work at CJFP so far?
Save, Save, Save and invest, invest, invest before it is too late.