This summer BRI, the West-Midlands based Wealth Management Company, pilots an internship alongside the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI). James Townsend, the student participating in this scheme, is in the process of completing his MSc in Investment Analysis from Aston University and in March was awarded an Educational Trust award from the CISI for excellence in his work.

BRI saw this as a great opportunity to help students both understand the market and the operation of an independently owned investment management company.  BRI welcomes a handful of work experience placements every summer and the team enjoys imparting its knowledge and passion for the industry to future generations.

 For example, in October last year, BRI welcomed 13 members of Coventry University’s Investment Society to its Meriden office.  The Investment Society holds an annual competition to invest a theoretical £100m and assesses its progress on a weekly basis.  BRI Wealth Management invited the students to their offices to share their investment experience and expertise.

BRI believes that successful internships not only enhance a student’s CV but also increases a student’s job prospects, since employers like to see some degree of work experience, especially when it is industry specific.

 James will have exposure to all departments within BRI and has been tasked with a project that will provide him with a well-rounded knowledge of the industry. He will be analysing various metrics and business practices in the Wealth Management sector to understand differing business models between firms at different stages in their growth cycle.

 Vince Hopkins, BRI’s Chief Investment Officer and Head of Investment Management said ‘This is a great opportunity to not only partner with CISI, the professional body, of which BRI is a member, but also offer students the opportunity to work for an independently owned wealth management company, gain an understanding of BRI’s business practices and give James a very solid grounding in the business. We have built a successful business by focusing on truly personal service and we hope by experiencing this, it will help James facilitate a full time role within our industry. We welcomed James on Monday 13 June for his two-month placement, which will hopefully jump-start his career in Wealth Management.’

James Townsend commented: ‘I am looking forward to my time at BRI and gaining valuable experience from a company that tailors its approach to its clients. I hope this placement will enable me to work in wealth management in the future and I believe I have the potential to make a positive contribution during the internship.’

Sally Plant, CISI Assistant Director, Educational Development said: ‘We are delighted to support this important initiative between BRI, Aston University and student James Townsend. It is an excellent example of the opportunities which the local business community can offer when combined with an academic institution. We believe James will receive a fantastic overview into the world of investment management and thereby gain an edge in the competitive jobs market.’

Colin Chapman, Aston University, stated: ‘This should be a successful venture for both James and BRI, and we thank the CISI and the CISI Educational Trust for their support in arranging this internship. Internships convert academic knowledge into industry skills, a process at the heart of Aston Business School via our successful undergraduate placement and postgraduate professional development schemes.”