AYU Member Spotlight: Victoire Schiltz of Alken Asset Management
Victoire is our youngest AYU member. At 20 years old, she is already working in an asset management company whilst also completing her bachelor’s degree in economics and finance. She has been running her own trading business for four years now.
Hi Victoire, what are you working on today?
I am currently working as a fixed income analyst at Alken Asset Management in London. I just graduated from my bachelor’s degree in economics and finance and I am about to start a new role in commodity trading in Geneva next September. I am also managing CFD trading accounts for private clients, where I developed macro-strategies in forex and commodities.
How did you get to where you are now?
I have been passionate about financial markets and the hedge fund industry since the beginning of high school when I had my first economic lectures. I started to learn trading by myself and opened a CFD trading account at the age of 16. This activity grew over the years and I am now managing diversified portfolios for some private clients. This experience helped me to develop crucial trading skills at an early age and was my gateway into the hedge fund industry later on.
What attracted you to this business?
I started to have a keen interest in macroeconomics and finance when I realised its pivotal role in the global allocation of funds. I have also been inspired and impressed by the people I met in this industry. I realised that meritocracy exists in this industry and that anyone with great talent and ambition can succeed.
What has been the most pivotal moment of your career so far?
I think there are two crucial moments. The first one was when I started to expand my trading activity by managing accounts for some private clients. It gave me responsibilities and allowed me to scale my business more than expected. The second was when I started working in credit research for Alken. It is my first work experience in an asset management company, while I was still at university. I am very grateful for this unique opportunity.
What aspect of our industry excites you the most?
The people. I had the privilege of meeting hedge fund professionals through many networking events. Actively engaging in networking allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the industry's specificities and helped me establish clear career objectives. I am immensely grateful to have been surrounded by exceptional individuals who not only believed in my projects but also mentored me at the very beginning of my career. They inspired me and have played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today.
What would you change?
I won’t change anything, life is too short to have any regrets! I believe the best is yet to come and I am excited to discover the next chapter of my career in commodity trading.
What do you invest in personally?
Financially speaking, I am investing in worldwide trackers / ETFs.
From a personal perspective, I invest in experiences. I spend a lot of time traveling and building ties with people all around the world.
Where do you celebrate?
I like to go to Monaco and enjoy a nice dinner and drink at the Yacht Club with my sailing friends. The sunset view is always stunning.
What is at the top of your bucket list right now?
I have a passion for cars and I would love to participate in the Rallye Porsche Classic for the Tour of Mont-Blanc, organised each year by the Porsche Center in Geneva.
What does success mean to you?
Success is not a single event but a continuous journey. I believe that it is developed and nurtured throughout one's life. Personally, my definition of success involves advancing in my career and eventually establishing my own hedge fund or asset management firm one day.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
I remember someone saying “You can’t win the raffle if you don’t buy the ticket”. You have to be open and take all opportunities you can. It took me some time and effort to break into the finance industry but it is always more than worth it in the end.