Area of work
Technology, FX Options, Fixed Income

Studied
M Eng in Computing Software Engineering (Computational Management), Imperial University, London

Joined
2005

Working in
London

Initially when I joined as a graduate I trained as a developer in the pricing and risk management team. Then I moved into more of a support role, training people and also managing higher risk applications with greater responsibility. For instance in my first year I was given the task of migrating the overnight evaluations from an old system to a new Windows based system, which is a big deal because if things don't run smoothly and the bank's daily P&L isn't delivered, then questions are certainly asked! I now split my time between managing a support team and developing for the Front Office.

I really enjoy both aspects of my job as they have different skill sets and different benefits. In my support role I train staff from all areas of the business on our pricing and risk management system, to give them an understanding of the fullness of the application. It's a really good experience meeting new people from so many different areas. I don't just meet Technology staff, I sit next to traders on the trading desk and explain to them all of the features in the application, many they didn't know about. They're really grateful because it makes their job easier and also they begin to understand what we do as well. One thing that I enjoy is demonstrating to the business how much effort is put into IT, showing them the enormous level of systems and infrastructure that helps them do what they do. I find that when I explain it to people, one to one, they really understand and appreciate it, they're very approachable people, just very busy.

Although I'm based in the UK; a lot of the business critical projects that I've been involved in have given me the knowledge to train people all around the world. All the development for FX Options is done here in London and to facilitate communication between us and the different business centres I've been to different areas to liaise with them directly. In my first year here I went to New York and then last year I went to Singapore and Hong Kong. I spoke to the Head of FX trading there about the new features that we're putting into the application, then discussed how their needs differ from London's and tried to resolve any outstanding issues that they had. At BNP Paribas if you show that you're capable of learning new things and can pick things up quickly, they give you the opportunity to be involved in important and interesting things very quickly. That's one of the most satisfying things here, when you do good work it's instantly realised and you are recognised for your contribution.

I think ultimately I'd like to continue along the development path. It's very satisfying to be shown a problem and then be able to solve it in a day. You get the appreciation from the traders, you right something that's wrong and you have a direct positive impact on the business. When I develop something I talk directly to the traders, developers, marketers, whoever's involved, go directly to them and explain exactly what it is I've done. They're all very approachable because they know I'm an integral part of the business. Shortly I'm going to be studying for a Certificate in Quantitative Finance. The company helped to organise it and I think it will directly help in my role as it's about understanding the pricing and modelling of exotic financial instruments, and how the mathematics and business fit together. I'd like to continue along the development route and gain a better understanding of pricing and the business, what the products actually do and hopefully progress into a team leader role.

For anyone who was considering a Technology role within BNP Paribas I'd say - go for it! Everyone is very helpful and supportive, so when you finish your graduate programme they won't try to slow you down. It's up to you to make your career whatever you want. I've been here two and a half years and I'm already a support manager and a developer for the trading desk, I regularly talk to senior management including the head of FX Options, not bad in such a short time.