Careers

After graduating, I came across Operis which sounded a bit different and like a good mix of the sort of roles I had been considering.  The interview process was fun: everyone was friendly and engaging, and the work sounded interesting.

The infrastructure and energy projects we work on involve actual, tangible assets so, while I was working in finance, it felt more real than some finance roles might.  You could drive on roads that we had worked on; a colleague even had an operation in one of the hospitals we advised on!

After progressing in the analytical team, I became a Director and most recently COO where I work closely with our CEO to deliver the company’s corporate strategy and ensure the smooth running of the business support teams.  I no longer work actively on projects, but my knowledge of the “hands on” stuff has been invaluable in my involvement in managing the business.  I have been fortunate to have had an opportunity to work through a variety of roles at Operis and continue to learn and develop different skills.

Operis has also been supportive in terms of the flexibility I have enjoyed since becoming a parent enabling me to balance my career with my personal life.

A typical day for me involves implementing the knowledge gained from various training sessions as well as collaborating with colleagues to provide model audit or advisory solutions.

The types of projects I get to work on are diverse, ranging from renewables to public infrastructure. As no two projects are identical, I find the work to be intellectually stimulating, with each project helping grow my commercial awareness in project finance.

What I enjoy the most about working at Operis is the opportunity to take on new responsibilities. I was given early exposure to liaising with clients and mentor a new analyst. I believe the accelerated career progression has enhanced my skills both personally and professionally.

After graduating, I wanted to apply for roles that used the problem solving and analytical skills that I had developed throughout my degree.  The training and support offered by Operis were invaluable. It has given me the opportunity to gain an extensive knowledge of financial modelling and project finance.

There are also plenty of social activities to get involved with, including a yearly Operis Bake Off competition. After coming second in 2018, I went on to win the coveted Operis Bake Off apron in 2019 with a Christmas themed cake!

I get the chance to work on projects across a wide range of sectors and locations. Knowing that my work has an impact on infrastructure projects across the world is really rewarding.

The thing I enjoy most about working at Operis is the people.  Approachability is a core asset of Operis that continues behind the scenes to create a collaborative space with opportunities to learn from and teach others.  There are also many occasions to socialise after-hours with subsidised events and sports teams through our Ents committee.

Operis has consistently provided opportunities to further my career by working on projects across various sectors and geographies, supporting studying for CFA qualifications, and encouraging attendance to industry seminars and networking events. I have also been well supported with the opportunity to move my focus to the advisory side of our business.

I joined as a graduate analyst. The reasons I applied to Operis are the same reasons I enjoy working here now as a Manager. It is a happy and sociable environment, and the company invests in its employees’ development.