Michael Dodds
2017 International Business MSc graduate Michael is Chartered Financial Planner at Handelsbanken in Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Since graduating, what have you gone on to do?
I worked for a company called True Potential LLP. I started out in Automatic Enrolment Sales, and progressed into Wealth Management. I completed my Level 4 CII diploma in Financial Planning, and then became a qualified Financial Planner with True Potential. In June 2019, I moved to Rathbones to learn my trade as a Financial Planner.
Is the above what you planned to do before starting university?
This wasn't what I planned to do initially but went with the flow!
What was your favourite thing about your course?
My favourite thing about the course was being able to deal with a mixture of students from across the world and being able to adapt to various working styles. I also enjoyed the in depth learning provided by the lecturers.
Were you involved in any other extra curriculum activities or societies during your time here?
I'm sad to say that I was unable to as I was employed full time whilst at university. If circumstances were different, I definitely would have got involved with certain societies such as the Finance Society.
How do you see future technologies and new ways of working (Future of Work) affecting your sector?
From a financial planning perspective rules/legislation are always hard to understand so it may not affect myself. In terms of investments, systems are becoming so advances and can provide you with updates at the drop of a hat. This can help people understand finance and personal finance in greater detail.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
I hope to be a Chartered Financial Planner with Rathbones Brothers PLC within the next five years.
Try your hand at everything and never be afraid to fail or make mistakes.