Matilde, Catarina and I were given the opportunity through Girls Are Investors (GAIN) to visit Oaktree Capital on Wednesday to get an insight on the complex knowledge required to be an investor.

In the morning, we arrived at the very impressive building and started our day with a tour of the two floored hustling and bustling office. Following this, we had a briefing of what was to come in the day ahead from a senior credit trader who supported us throughout the day and shared her astoundingly impressive knowledge with us. During lunch, we had the opportunity to network with other workers at the company. They provided us with amazing stories and advice and we even received a few business cards during the day!

Our aim throughout the day was to research our given company with the resources provided and decide whether or not we would invest in the company and why, supported by our analysis of the company’s performance history, credit and ability to develop. At the end of the day, we had to pitch our presentation to workers at Oaktree including a senior credit trader, a senior vice president and a junior investor. Despite the nerves and fear I felt whilst presenting, I felt very grateful afterwards that I had practiced skills such as presenting, analysing data and communication, which will most definitely come into play in my academic work and my day-to-day life.

Overall, we met amazing, inspiring people and gained some fascinating new knowledge. This experience has made me almost certain I would like to pursue a career in investment management.

Keziah Atherton, Lower Sixth