By AINSWORTH MORRIS

Career & Education writer

AFTER joining Stocks & Securities Limited (SSL) last November under their management trainee programme, 22-year-old Rory DeSilva is surprised that he has, within the last month, been promoted to brokerage associate.

He said this is a career path he has always wanted, ever since he was a student at Glenmuir High School. That is why he pursued a bachelor of science degree in actuarial science at the University of the West Indies, Mona, which he completed last year.

This week he shares with Career & Education an insight into his career.

Who is a brokerage associate?

A brokerage associate is an individual responsible for the execution of trades on behalf of clients, as well as providing them with additional investment support services, such as research and analysis.

What is the value of the work that you do?

Maintaining healthy relationships with clients and timely execution of trades is of utmost importance here at SSL. SSL is a client-focused institution. Therefore, the speed, accuracy and manner of communication — the work done by me — adds significant value to our clients and the company.

What do you enjoy the most about your career?

I enjoy learning about different investment opportunities and being able to use this knowledge to educate individuals on the importance of investing.

What are your responsibilities?

I am responsible for trading, the construction of investment proposals, market monitoring and providing research for clients.

What are the qualifications for your job?

An understanding of finance and the ability to quickly grasp the material factors that impact the movement of pricing and rating of securities.

What are some of the challenges?

Time management is the main challenge I face on the job. It takes a lot of time to stay up to date with the different financial markets and stay informed about profitable investment opportunities.

What advice do you have for others who wish to enter the field?

Try to keep informed about financial news. Read financial newsletters, watch videos on investing and pay special attention to financial TV stations such as Bloomberg.

What is your daily motivation?

Achieving financial independence is my daily motivation. By this I mean being able to spend my time how I choose without having to worry about fulfilling financial obligations and having the ability to travel the world without financial restrictions.

Rory DeSilva, brokerage associate, Stocks & Securities Limited.