Kirsty’s career journey: from hospitality to Client Service Support

My student years at RGU

I grew up in a very small village called Fintry, near Stirling. I originally went to Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen to study Events Management but switched to International Business Management (IBM) in my second year. Whilst I was still interested in events management, I wasn’t set on what I wanted to do and so decided that a degree with a broader variety of study would make more sense. The IBM course also involved studying abroad for either a semester in your second year or a full year in third year. I chose to do the semester in second year and went to the USA to study at Oklahoma State University. This was the highlight of my time at university, and I made friends from all over the world, many of which I’m still in touch with.

From hospitality to financial services

During and after university, I worked in the hospitality industry and reached a supervisory position. After working full-time for two years, I decided that the lifestyle and unsociable hours weren’t for me. I came across the Client Service Support (CSS) job advertisement online and decided to apply. I hadn’t heard of AAB Wealth before applying for the role but when I researched AAB Wealth online, I was initially attracted by the firm’s charitable initiative, AABi, and the work that they were doing to support the local community. The application and interview process were very straightforward and the interview itself felt more like a conversation. After learning more about the different aspects of the role and the opportunity for development, I came away from the interview even more interested and hopeful that I would get the job…and I’m delighted I did!

My role as Client Service Support

As I was new to the industry when I joined, I didn’t have a lot of preconceived ideas. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the levels of independence and responsibility that every team member was given, as well as the opportunities for training and development.

I’ve now been part of the Client Service Support (CSS) team for a few years. The key aspects of my role include supporting advisers and paraplanners in meeting the needs of our clients, from ensuring that we have all of the relevant information from the outset of the client journey, to submitting and monitoring new business. I had always enjoyed the customer-facing side of my previous job roles, and this has continued through my role at AAB Wealth. Through my day to day work I get to experience the difference that we make to our clients. It’s extremely rewarding to see first-hand how we can help our clients and build long-lasting relationships. I also enjoy how the industry is ever evolving and how we as a team are adapting to meet these changes.

Over the past year, my role has progressed and I now train newer members of the team and take on more complex tasks. I’ve recently really enjoyed getting started with paraplanning and believe that my role in CSS has given me a strong foundation for it. I have two more exams to sit to receive my diploma and hope to have this completed over the next few months.

Studying and moving cities with hybrid working

The flexibility that hybrid working allows has definitely improved my work life balance and aided my ability to study. I’ve found that busier periods have been easier to manage, and I can focus better in a quieter environment, meaning that I tend to be more efficient working from home. It is also useful to be able to pop into the office for training sessions or meetings that work better in person. Hybrid working has also allowed me to move cities and offices surprisingly smoothly. I’ve lived in Aberdeen for eight years, but plan to move to Glasgow next month and be based out of our Glasgow office. It will be a big change but I’m excited to live in a bigger city with all the things that Glasgow has to offer. I’m particularly looking forward to going to Trnsmt festival this summer. I’ll also be a lot closer to where my family live, which will be helpful for dog-sitting!

In my spare time, I love walking my dog and spending a lot of my weekends out and about with him. Last summer, I did a lot of hiking around Aberdeenshire and The Cairngorms and I’m looking forward to doing more of this around the central belt. I also enjoy visiting bars and restaurants and socialising with my friends, as well as going to see live music. All of which Glasgow has a good reputation for!

Goals for the future

My main goal for the next year is to get my diploma. I also hope to develop my skills and knowledge further as I move into the paraplanner role.