Ekaterina Gazadze
After graduating from Cass Business School with an MSc in Investment Management, I had a strong desire to become a part of a very dynamic environment, somewhere in emerging markets.
Central Asia felt like a place to be. In this truly emerging region you learn something new each day and encounter situations that keep you excited and interested. It is amazing to work in a country which has so much to offer, with a growing and developing stockmarket in terms of expanding of listed companies and trading volumes. Kazakhstan’s extensive mineral resources means it is home to a number of top ranking global companies with large production volumes.
When Renaissance Capital offered me an interview, it was a dream come true and an opportunity to work for an experienced and highly professional company with the research team ranked as the best in EMEA. Renaissance impressed me with its immense determination to be number one in every country of operation. I appreciated the culture where every team member realises how important their personal contribution is to the overall success of the team. It is not a place where someone’s efforts are lost. Quite the opposite – your hard work is visible and valued.
Renaissance Capital is an investment bank with a strong corporate culture which promotes skill, knowledge, ethics and professionalism. That’s what also attracted me. It turned out that the location was just a bonus.
When I think of Renaissance Capital I think of two words: challenge and opportunity. It is the nature of the company to throw challenges at you almost every day. Challenges that test your determination, skills, and willingness to improve. It is important to keep sight of your goals and not get distracted by the pace of change. You have to be robust and responsible. Yes, it can be difficult sometimes, as you’re often working to tight deadlines, but at the end of the day you know that Renaissance Capital will give you back what you are prepared to put in, keeping you motivated through the tough times. Your hard work will be noticed, valued and appreciated.
It is competitive here and you need to realise that risks and rewards mean being exposed to tight deadlines and pressure. There are many bright people in the company and you need to be a team player. To me, competition fuels growth and this place is full of opportunities – you just have to seize them.
I had no prior experience in research when I joined the Central Asian team and was both excited and curious. I thought that as an investment bank, it may be unfriendly, but I was wrong! I’ve met excellent people who are prepared to help you learn. You’re encouraged and supported and it’s up to you to show what contribution you can make to the team.
Renaissance encourages people to develop and there is extensive on-the-job training and structured learning. During performance reviews we discuss our training needs with management to identify areas which require new or improved skills.
My typical day starts with emails and news. It is extremely important to keep up to date with what’s happening in the country so you’re prepared when it comes to talking to investors. I usually attend several internal meetings, where we present and discuss the latest news and reports and share ideas. Later, I concentrate on my current report, meet clients and provide feedback on internal and external enquires. The day often extends beyond regular working hours.
I do not have much time outside work, but I manage to get out from the city once in a while. Kazakhstan is extremely rich in nature and there’s something for everyone. Mountain hiking, safari, skiing, swimming and amazing views are all just a few hours away from the capital.