What Is a Career in Sustainable Investment Solutions Like? In Conversation with a Head of Sustainable Investment Quantitative Analysis

On the show today we meet Marcela! Marcela works as a Head of Sustainable Investment Quantitative Analysis in the financial services industry in France. If you’re curious about a career in sustainable investment solutions, check it out!

Marcela kindly shares with us:  

• Common misconceptions of the sustainable investment solutions role 
• An overview of the sustainable investment industry 
• The purpose of the sustainable investment solutions role   
• What a sustainable investment solutions specialist does on an average day 
• Specialist tools: 
  • Python 
• Investing basics: 
  • Hedging 
  • Factor investing 
  • ETF’s 
• Most enjoyable parts of the role  
• Challenging parts of the role  
• Proudest moments in the role  
• How Marcela became a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis from aspiring pilot 
• Highs of the career journey   
• Challenges of the career journey  
• Importance of role models and mentors   
• Helpful education, training, and skills for aspiring sustainable investment solutions professionals 
• The future of the sustainable investment solutions profession 
• Advice and resources for people who are keen to find out more about a career in sustainable investment solutions: 
  • Coursera 
  • CFA – Climate & Investing Certificate  
  • CFA – ESG Certificate
  • UN Climate Change
  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
  • UN Sustainable Development Goals
  • Climate Bonds Initiative
  • ChatGPT
• Advice for her younger self and you!

Definitions: 

• ESG – environmental, social, and governance 
• ETF – exchange traded fund 
• FX – foreign exchange

We also talk about:

• The benefit of gaining exposure to different options and possibilities – you can’t be what you can’t see 
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in financial services 
• Balancing growing a career while growing a family   
• The importance of being happy now
• Why it is so important to own your career, promote yourself and get in the driving seat

So if you’re curious and wondering what a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis does or how to become a head of sustainable investment quantitative analysis or if you just want to be inspired ~ listen or watch and enjoy! 

PS – If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you!