The Coopman Team Interview: Spotlight on Consultant Christine Jones

Date: June 30, 2023

The Coopman Team Interview: Spotlight on Consultant Christine Jones

Christine is a Consultant in the accounting team at Coopman Search and Selection. She has a strong knowledge of the capital markets industry having started her career in financial services with an asset management company. Get to know Christine in this spotlight interview covering her experience in the financial services industry and transition to recruitment, advice for professionals looking for new opportunities, why everyone should read Steven Bartlett’s book and more.

1) TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY.
I began my career working as an Internal Control Intern in an international asset management company based in Dublin. This role gave me a lot of exposure to each department in the company, ultimately providing me with a good understanding of the business from start to finish. On completion of my degree, I returned to the company and joined their Middle Office Department. Working on the operational side of trading, I got great insight into their trading processes and the lifecycle as a whole. I decided, however, that I wanted to stay within the financial services industry but move into a more people-orientated role, which is what led me into recruitment.

2) WHY HAVE YOU PURSUED A CAREER IN RECRUITMENT?
Recruitment has always been something I’ve thought about and something I felt drawn to. When the opportunity arose, I had the choice to play it safe and stay in an operational role in which I had experience or to take the risk and make the move into recruitment. My decision was easy, I love working with people. Being able to provide people with new opportunities, give them advice and help them to progress in their careers is so rewarding.

3) WHY DID YOU WANT TO JOIN COOPMAN?
The people – I had great conversations with each of the team members throughout the interview process. I could tell that they were passionate about the company and enjoyed what they did and that it was an environment I wanted to be in. One thing I liked in particular about Coopman when researching the company was the podcast, Conversations With Coopman. I liked that as a company, they were educating themselves, as well as others on current topics and trends in the market – something I admired and wanted to be a part of.

4) HOW WILL YOUR PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE BE BENEFICIAL TO YOU IN YOUR ROLE AT COOPMAN?
My experience working with external and internal auditors within internal controls and middle office operations has given me a strong knowledge of the capital markets industry which will allow me to excel in my role.

5) WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Getting a job at Coopman of course!! 🙂

6) WHAT BUSINESS LEADER OR COMPANY DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY?
I recently read Steven Bartlett’s “Happy Sexy Millionaire”, a book that I would recommend to everyone, especially people starting off in their career. He speaks about taking risks, social pressures, his journey and how having the correct mindset ultimately is your greatest tool to reach your goals and to be happy. After reading his book, I followed him on multiple social platforms and he shares a lot of motivational and positive posts which help shape your mindset each day.

7) WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING FOR A NEW ROLE IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES MARKET?
Research, research, research. We are so lucky to have so much information at our hands, make sure you do your research and keep up to date with the market. Podcasts are a great option and there are so many now available covering a range of different topics. I recently listened to the Gradlife Podcast which I would recommend to any professionals starting out or a few years into their careers who want to open up their minds to the different opportunities out there. I would also encourage individuals to reach out to people and most importantly, to educate themselves on the industry.

8) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ITEMS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?
My bucket list is forever growing! I have so many places I want to see and things I want to experience. I would love to do a sky dive, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I love pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and jumping out of a plane would do just that. I’ve always loved elephants growing up, there are one or two elephant sanctuaries in South Africa that I’ve been dying to visit, definitely one on my bucket list.

9) WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT WORKING AT COOPMAN?
Learning and growing with the company. I’m so lucky to be in a position to be starting off my recruitment career surrounded by people who have years of experience and who are willing to invest time in me and my career. I see a bright future for Coopman and being part of that is exciting.

10) HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR WEEKEND OR TIME OFF?
My ideal weekend would consist of an active Saturday, being out and about with friends followed by food and drinks. Then a wholesome Sunday, so going for a walk or a sea swim and then spending time with my family.