The thinking ahead group (TAG)
Why consider a career in Thinking Ahead at Watson Wyatt?
The Thinking Ahead Group (TAG) drives forward thought leadership in the investment practice at Watson Wyatt. It is a dedicated research team, focused on developing innovative solutions to the issues faced by our clients. The diversity of the projects means that new joiners are quickly exposed to many different aspects of investment markets and how they impact pension fund management and the investment world in general. This role will enable an intellectually curious graduate to achieve a rapid understanding of the institutional investment industry. Watson Wyatt has a large client base that includes many FTSE 100 companies. As a member of TAG, you will be working on a number of issues being faced by those clients (either now or in the future). New joiners are a visible part of the team from outset, working on sharing our new ideas with other parts of the practice (such as strategy, client consultants and manager research).
What skills do you require?
- A keen interest in investment markets: Given the nature of the projects TAG works on, a desire to learn more about the investment world is critical
- Strong communication skills: A key attribute of researcher is the ability to explain complicated investment concepts in a clear and understandable way. Both written communication skills and presentation skills are essential tools in enabling information to be delivered most effectively.
- Numeracy: Although a background in finance and economics is not a necessity, strong numeracy skills are required in order to interpret analysis.
- Problem solving: Strong analytical skills are required in order to devise solutions to a variety of issues.
- Teamwork skills: You will be working closely with other members of your own team, as well as colleagues from different areas within the Investment Practice, so the ability to work well in teams is essential.
- Initiative: We encourage all associates to use initiative and to suggest improvements to any existing reports or methodology that we employ.
- Organisation: You will often be working on several tasks at a time. It is therefore essential that you can remain organised and that you are able to prioritise to meet deadlines.
- Diligence: Our clients hold the advice given to them in high regard. It is very important that all work is carried out to the best of our ability, and is carefully checked and reviewed before it is given to clients.
What will you be involved in?
- Research projects: Provide support on research projects, locating and analysing data, liaising with other parts of the practice and overseas research centres to gather information, carrying out analysis
- Sharing information: Preparation and circulation of project updates and analysis to global recipients of TAG work, primarily through the use of Powerpoint.
- Ongoing research work: You will need to respond to ad-hoc requests for information on a variety of investment issues from colleagues within the Practice.
- Internal meetings and presentations: We have regular team meetings and in addition to discussing work in progress, we also use the opportunities to present new ideas and debate a host of current topics and issues.
