The benefit of attending the IAM UK Conference 2023: A young professional’s perspective

For those that are not yet aware the IAM NxtGen committee provides a collaborative environment for young professionals or those in the early stages of their careers, to share industry insights and create a platform for engagement within Asset Management. The opportunity for engagement spans from committee discussions to hosting university events and to speaking at IAM conferences, which is the direction of this article.

The Institute of Asset Management's NxtGen Conference was held in Manchester on the 14th & 15th November 2023, as part of the broader IAM UK Chapter conference, which set out an overarching theme of Addressing the Practicalities of Implementing and Embedding Asset Management. The NxtGen session featured seven distinguished speakers, each offering unique insights into various sectors of Asset Management.

This article aims to uncover the benefits which the NxtGen attendees gained engaging and presenting at the conference, by highlighting key themes obtained from the valuable feedback shared by the speakers: 'opportunity,' 'self-confidence,' 'community,' and 'cross-sector insight.'.For those that are not yet aware the IAM NxtGen committee provides a collaborative environment for young professionals or those in the early stages of their careers, to share industry insights and create a platform for engagement within Asset Management. The opportunity for engagement spans from committee discussions, to hosting university events, to speaking at IAM conferences, which is the direction of this article.

Opportunity

The conference served as a platform for attendees to explore myriad opportunities, through the insights of industry experts and young professionals, who are helping to make important changes and discoveries within the Asset Management landscape. The potential benefits of the conference are demonstrated by the feedback of speakers such as Nour who described the event as a, "wonderful experience," emphasizing the value of attending presentations and panel discussions. Anna echoed this sentiment, describing the conference as a "great platform" for both young professionals and experienced Asset Managers.

Self-Confidence

The feedback of our speakers emphasized the benefits the conference provided to them in the form of self-confidence in navigating the challenges of Asset Management, through the exposure to industry experts and the insights of other speakers at similar levels in their careers. Matthew expressed how the conference, "affirmed my belief in myself," providing a vital boost in combating the pervasive, "imposter syndrome" that often plagues professionals in the field. Whilst Lilian expressed how, “the confidence that speakers exhibited answering questions about their projects” really demonstrated the quality on offer of young professionals within AM and the confidence that everyone should have in themselves.

Asset Management Community

The conference demonstrated the significance of community and collaboration in fostering growth within Asset Management. Matthew emphasized the event's role in expanding networks, describing it as a, "great opportunity to open gateways" within the industry. Nour expressed the benefits of meeting professionals at various career stages, underscoring the importance of networking in fostering collaboration and innovation. The feel of the event created a positive and “very welcoming atmosphere” according to Miranda, which we all know is often subdue in professional environments.

Cross-Sector Insight

Cross-sector insight emerged as a key theme, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Asset Management. Sean highlighted the diversity of perspectives shared, stating, "It was fascinating to hear a broad range of thoughts from across different sectors," illustrating the value of cross-sector insights in enriching discussions within the Asset Management community. Exposure to cross-sector insights is an invaluable experience for all professionals within Asset Management, primarily due to the broadness of the industry and the opportunities that can often be overlooked.

Conclusion

From the perspective of a young professional, the IAM UK Conference provided a forum for engaging discussions and insightful presentations, shedding light on key themes essential for success in Asset Management. By embracing opportunities, cultivating self-confidence, fostering community, and seeking cross-sector insights, young professionals can navigate the dynamic landscape of Asset Management with resilience and adaptability.