How two students experienced life inside an investment management firm through AUT's Shadow a Leader programme

We believe the best way to understand an industry is to experience it firsthand.

That’s why we were proud to participate in AUT’s Shadow a Leader programme, an initiative that connects AUT business and law students, alongside Auckland secondary school students, with business leaders and organisations for a day of real-world learning and career exploration. The programme gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how organisations operate, helping bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional life.

Recently, we welcomed Sam Bottomley, an AUT student, and Jack Harper, a Year 13 student from King’s College, to Amova for a full day immersed in the world of investment management.

A day across the business

Rather than focusing on a single team, Sam and Jack were given exposure to the many moving parts that make up Amova. Their day included time with our legal, marketing, distribution, equities, fixed income and cash teams, as well as participation in our company-wide team meeting.

The goal was simple: to show how different areas of the business work together to help investors achieve their financial goals.

From discussing market movements with investment specialists to learning how marketing and distribution teams engage with advisers and investors, the students gained a broad perspective on the diverse careers that exist within financial services.

Discovering what happens beyond the headlines

One of the key takeaways for Jack was the importance of staying informed about the world around us.

“Something I learned that I didn’t expect was how valuable it can be to be up to date with what is going on in the world. As part of a generation who gets much of its information from social media platforms, I’ve learned that there are more interactive ways to stay informed, such as audio articles from news websites. I’ve started listening to these on my way to school each morning.”

Bringing investment concepts to life

For many students, terms such as bonds, yields and duration can seem abstract in a classroom setting. Spending time with our investment teams helped turn those concepts into practical examples.

Jack particularly enjoyed learning from members of our Fixed Income and Cash team, Fergus McDonald and Pranav Gakhar. 

“I really enjoyed learning about fixed interest and cash. Learning what modified duration and yield to maturity were, and how critical these metrics are, was really interesting to me, and how easily these can change based on central banks’ decisions.”

The session carried extra significance for Pranav, who once stood in the students' shoes himself. Pranav participated in the Shadow a Leader programme several years ago while studying at AUT, spending his day at Ports of Auckland. Having experienced the value of the initiative firsthand, he was able to come full circle by sharing his own knowledge and career journey with the next generation of students.

Sam was equally fascinated by the interconnected nature of global markets.

“I learnt about how nuanced international movements affected the Australian and New Zealand markets, not just in equities but bonds as well. I also learnt how tools such as Bloomberg terminals are utilised to understand markets and monitor news while it’s still hot off the press.”

From left to right, AUT student Sam Bottomley, Amova Fixed Income Investment Analyst Pranav Gakhar, King’s College student Jack Harper and Amova Head of Bonds and Currency Fergus McDonald.

More than markets

While financial markets were a highlight, some of the most memorable lessons came from conversations about people, culture and the broader business.

Sam was particularly interested in learning how Amova connects with investors and advisers through its marketing activities.

“I learnt about how Amova's marketing team is targeting their niche audience through innovative thinking and understanding their market. As well as how they are expanding the knowledge of GoalsGetter to the wider population through strategic placements and mediums.”

The session provided insight into the role marketing plays within an investment management business, not simply promoting products, but helping people better understand investing concepts, financial goals and the choices available to them. It also highlighted the importance of understanding different audiences and tailoring communication to meet their needs.

Another conversation that left a lasting impression on Sam was with Amova Managing Director Stuart Williams. 

“He spoke about how titles and labels in finance such as ‘staff’ and ‘sales’ can create unnecessary hierarchy and distance. It wasn't something I'd considered and it reframed how I think about workplace culture in the industry.”

Attending Amova’s weekly team meeting helped reinforce that message.

“I witnessed first-hand the benefits of this mentality – a warm culture where everyone feels like they can be heard.”

These reflections are a reminder that successful organisations are built not just on expertise, but on collaboration, respect and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute.

Looking ahead

One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in the Shadow a Leader programme is seeing students connect what they’re studying with potential future careers.

Both Sam and Jack approached the day with curiosity, enthusiasm and insightful questions. In return, our teams enjoyed the opportunity to share their experiences, explain what they do and help demystify an industry that can often seem complex from the outside.

Programmes like Shadow a Leader play an important role in helping young people explore pathways they may never have considered. If Sam and Jack’s experience is any indication, even a single day can spark new interests, challenge assumptions and provide valuable perspective on the opportunities available in the world of business and finance.