From studying Archaeology and Anthropology to analysing high-profile M&A deals, Ariel Jin (Ch. 2015-17) shares how her curiosity, resilience and a willingness to step outside of her comfort zone helped shape an unexpected career in the fast-paced world of finance.
Could you start by telling us a little about your role at S&W — what does a typical day look like for you?
I work in the Transaction Services department at S&W; my role focuses on analysing the financial performance and key value drivers of businesses involved in the Mergers & Acquisition process. Depending on the project, this can include buy‑side and vendor due diligence, vendor assistance, refinancing support, Sale and Purchase Agreements and completion advisory. I’m responsible for managing the detailed workstreams, from planning to data analysis, report deck writing and final deliverables.
My work is fast-paced and often involves a diverse pool of stakeholders; therefore, my days are varied dependent on what deals I’m working on and which phase of the project I find myself in. I often start the day with checking my priorities list and checking emails as deadlines and requests can come in unexpectedly. The rest of the day often consists of internal calls with the team to discuss key issues and decide on our approach, as well as external calls with the client, target management etc. to align on the progress as the deal evolves.
Which aspects of the role do you find most rewarding?
The variety and fast pace; it keeps me on my toes and also pushes me to grow and develop. The other pleasing aspect is that I can see the result of my work. Often we work on deals involving household names, or companies that I have come across outside of work. So, it feels like I’m directly impacting the economy in my own small way.
What first drew you to the Financial Services sector?
I believe the first 10 years of my career was all about learning and seeking opportunities in areas that put me outside of my comfort zone and filling gaps in my strengths and knowledge base. At school I didn’t have a leaning between arts or sciences and went on to study Archaeology and Anthropology which includes aspects of both disciplines. However, the one area I was particularly lacking in and had no interest in whatsoever was the finance world - that was something I was very aware of coming out of university. So, I went to Ernst & Young and obtained my ACA with them to build my foundation in the finance world and have since grown to become absolutely fascinated by it.
How did you come to join S&W and progress to the role you hold today?
I joined S&W only 6 months ago, and it was due to a mixture of fate and my long-term goals. I studied in London and chose to work in the South for my first role to stay close to my ageing family dog. My goal was always to return to London for my career at some stage. I was debating whether to study for an MBA, but ultimately decided I would like to gain more professional experience beforehand to get the max ROI out of any MBA qualification. I loved my previous role in Ernst & Young Audit (weird I know!) but felt like I should try something else before confining myself to one career path.
Looking ahead, what are your ambitions for the next stage of your career?
Short term - I’m seeking a promotion to manager and consolidating my knowledge and skills in Transaction Services. My next big stage might be the MBA, or moving into an adjacent field that can build and expand on my skill set.
Looking back, do you feel your time at school helped shape the path you’ve taken?
Yes, experiences in my formative years very much shape the person I am. I enjoyed the debates and thought-provoking discussions in Politics and History which built a strong foundation for my public speaking now. The level of intellect and academia was exceptional at Brighton College - it was an environment that inspired as well as challenged me. Although it was sometimes stressful at the time, in hindsight it made me a more resilient and confident person.
And finally, what's the best thing about being an Old Brightonian?
The connections, and that built-in trust we feel when we meet another OB in the wild! The trust is in both their abilities and their qualities, because Brighton College, aside from being an academic powerhouse, also focuses on being inclusive, open minded and kind.