Case studies: Pensions investment consultant: Dean

Dean studied for a degree in commerce and went on to earn an MBA. He now works as an investment consultant who analyses pension fund managers.

A chance encounter with a friend sparked my interest in investment and gave me an insight into what was involved. It sounded really fascinating, as it helps explain how the world works, what's important and what creates money. Being able to do the work well provided a challenge and is what attracted me to the role. I had always wanted to do further study and found out that a postgraduate qualification would greatly boost my chances, so I embarked on an MBA.

Whilst I was writing my MBA thesis, I took various temporary jobs in related fields. Although I was not making actual investment decisions, this helped me to understand how shares are looked after. This has proven to be valuable when advising clients on how their investments are stored.

On finishing my MBA, I spoke to hundreds of recruitment consultants, but I didn't find them helpful in finding the type of work I was after. However, I knew there is nothing so unattractive to an employer as someone turning up and saying 'I need a job.'

I decided to be proactive and approach key players in the industry with an analysis of how I could be of use to them. I managed to line up an interview at one of the leading investment consultancies. To prepare, I did lots of research about the company and tried to understand their approach to investment. Looking back, some of the things that I said at the interview were possibly naïve, but I think it still impressed them that I had taken the trouble to try and understand what they were saying. I was offered the job.

Initially, I had to write detailed analyses and reports on particular investments. Later, as I progressed, I began to advise clients directly. My main task now is to interview pension fund managers to evaluate if they are any good. I then make recommendations to my clients (typically large pension schemes with large companies) on whether or not to use them.

My job is interesting and challenging. I use a lot of numbers and complex analysis to try and understand an individual's investment skill. It is a delicate balance of the hard and the soft. I use numbers not just in a mathematical way but in order to try and understand human skill. This is a very elusive problem. I also must take into account the environment - another very complicated factor. It is very challenging, and there is always something to learn.

My advice for students is to choose a career that really interests you. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You need to be passionate about your work otherwise you won't be able to do it well.