At our Annual Awards Ceremony 2023, Aaron received his award for achieving the top score in our level 7 Chartered Wealth Manager qualification
by Lauren Johnson, CISI copywriter
Aaron, an investment manager at Evelyn Partners, recently gave his career a boost by receiving the award for our highest-level qualification. His new Chartered Wealth Manager title means that he is now a bit closer to achieving his ambition to become the number one investment manager in Northern Ireland.
Start early and take time out
In terms of practical tips for exam success, Aaron makes one key point: start early. He studied for two hours each morning before heading to work, and four months before he was due to take exams he was already reading and highlighting “the big 400-page books”.
It’s not all work and no play though. Perhaps one of the most recommended ways to relax away from work and study can be found in the thrill of physical activity. Aaron agrees: “I play hurling, described aptly by Jason Statham as ‘a cross between hockey and murder’, with varying degrees of success. Taking time out to exercise is a big part of revision – you would go mad otherwise.”
The journey
Aaron has not always been on his current path. Initially in the engineering profession, he left in 2020 to pursue a career in finance, fuelled by his interest in investing. He chose our qualifications after observing they have a good standing amongst finance professionals, and fought through the hardships of the global pandemic to make the transition from one industry to another, confident that his hard work would pay off.
He began his study with our level 3 Introduction to Securities and Investment. In September of that same year, when he joined Smith & Williamson (now known as Evelyn Partners) as a trainee investment manager, he started working his way towards our level 4 Investment Advice Diploma, which he achieved in January 2021. Then, in swift succession, he passed the three units leading to the Chartered Wealth Manager qualification: level 6 Financial Markets exam (April 2021), level 7 Portfolio Construction Theory in Wealth Management (August 2021) and level 7 Applied Wealth Management (February 2022). He found that the level 7 syllabus was “uniquely attuned” to his job role, with the study material aptly reflecting much of the skills and tools he uses in his day job.
Importance of support
Having a solid network of people to encourage him has helped him get this far. This includes CISI Northern Ireland president Christopher O’Neill, Chartered FCSI, a partner at Evelyn Partners. Christopher has not only encouraged Aaron in his studies but also does “a great job of delivering content and organising events to bring together members across Northern Ireland”. He also thanks his colleagues Jonathan Cunningham, Chartered FCSI; David Harris, Chartered FCSI; Gwen Bloomer ACSI, and Lorraine Brown who continued to aid his development throughout. CISI Accredited Training Partner Zishi Cornerstone supported him in his training, which consisted of eight full days of classes plus a mock exam which he found very helpful in cementing his learning. Finally, Aaron also acknowledges the support that his wife has given him as “the single biggest help” he could have asked for during his revision.
Reaching new peaks
Aaron is committed to providing excellent service to clients and their families through professional stewardship of their assets.
He is proud to be associated with the CISI and says that our qualifications have been a game-changer for him. He encourages anyone who is ready for a challenge to take them. His goal to start managing client investments is on the horizon and he looks forward to continually developing himself working with his team in Belfast. We look forward to seeing what Aaron conquers next.