BSc Government and History, 2009
Assistant to the Company Secretary, HSBC Holdings plc
My career path has been pretty straight forward really. Although I want to teach at some point, I now work for one of Britain’s major banks. I chose to essentially specialise in corporate administration after my initial two years, which found me serving as Assistant to the Company Secretary of HSBC Bank plc. As an Executive Assistant my job is essentially to provide continuous and quality support to my manager; this might include writing a paper for the Board, greeting dignitaries, or a more process-driven task such as appointing or resigning a Director from Companies House (the UK’s corporate register).
The role is incredibly varied and this is what I enjoy about it; I get bored easily. As a historian by trade I am not frightened by paper or organisation and this job requires both. The role is, in corporate speak, ‘’high level’’. The Board depend on us for the supply of punctual and accurate information, which means being prepared for the worst at all times. At times, particularly on the reporting side, the role can be quite process-driven. The key is to be responsive to innovation, and embrace change.
I chose to study BSc Government and History because with my mother being an archaeologist I’d always been interested in history, and alongside the insight into public policy a degree in Government and History seemed a logical step. Regarding the School itself, I visited it once and I was impressed with the way in which, architecturally, the LSE blends into London and is surrounded by essentially all the major institutions of the state. I appreciate that LSE has a unique position in the eyes of many opinion-formers and decision makers which underpins in many respects the value of an LSE education.
My greatest highlight is that I was fortunate to meet so many interesting people. The fascinating thing about starting at university is that it throws people with similar interests and insights together.