Charles Boakye BSc Mathematics with Actuarial Science & MSc International Financial Markets, 2010

Analyst, Equity Derivatives Market Risk - Santander

Hi, I'm Charles Boakye and I studied BSc Mathematics with Actuarial Science & MSc International Financial Markets within Mathematical Sciences at the University of Southampton.

Southampton offered great courses and module choices that really improved my employability in what is a competitive sector

What are your main responsibilities and duties in your current role?

I work in the Global Banking and Markets division, specifically in Equity Derivatives. It is my job to manage the risk and exposure of the bank to the equity derivatives market.

What advice would you give current and prospective students who desire a similar career to yours?

I think the most important piece of advice I can give to someone wanting to work for a large bank, like Santander, is to research; research what the bank does and the different roles that exist, choose a role you want to do and then learn about that role. Too many people turn up with simply a broad understanding of what the bank does without knowing specifically what they want to do. The banks want a candidate who knows what they want to do, have researched the role in depth, and goes for it.
Another important piece of advice I can give is to try and get on an Internship. Many of the banks recruit almost exclusively from their intern intake.

What led you to study maths at Southampton?

I think it is fair to say that I had always wanted to study maths at university, especially after enjoying it so much at A-Level. What drove me to study maths at Southampton was my ambition to work in finance. Southampton offered great courses and module choices that really improved my employability in what is a competitive sector. The fact that I could study BSc Mathematics with Actuarial Science and an MSc in International Financial Markets made Southampton a perfect choice for me.

Is mathematics directly relevant in your job?

On a daily basis I use the skills and knowledge that I picked up in my time at Southampton, especially with regards to statistics and stochastic processes. I can honestly say that without my degree I would be like a deer in headlights at work.

Were you involved in any clubs or societies at Southampton?

Yes whilst at Southampton I was in both the football and boxing clubs. I was also treasurer for the boxing club. I found that my employers looked favourably on getting involved in sports at university; it makes you look well rounded and gives you something to talk about at the interview. It is important not to come across one-dimensional.

Has your perception of maths changed since you graduated?

Whilst studying maths at uni, although I enjoyed it, I thought much of it was abstract and that I would not use it again. I was wrong. I didn’t realise quite how applicable and useful much of it would be.