For our Alumna of the Month interview, we spoke to Georgina Flynn, former EMEA Senior Equity Trader at Fidelity International.
Can you briefly describe your previous role and what you did day to day?
Before taking a career break, I worked as a buy side trader within asset management. Trading is a dynamic and fast paced career, as a buy side trader (think hedge funds, mutual funds, or pension funds) the trader is the bridge between a high level investment idea and the actual execution in the marketplace. While a Portfolio Manager (PM) decides what to buy, the trader decides how to buy it, with minimal impact to the market.
A day in the life of a trader is a sprint that begins well before the opening bell (when financial markets open) and ends with a deep dive into data. It is a blend of information processing, relationship management, and rapid fire decision making, often under pressure. One of my favourite things about my career was the direct correlation between real world events and what happened on the screens. Understanding how the global ecosystem fitted together fascinated me.
What was your path after leaving Bromley High School, and how did you get to where you are now?
I initially started my career journey with a very different goal: I wanted to be a doctor. However, I quickly discovered that a “fear of blood” and medicine don’t mix particularly well! That realisation forced me to pivot and start exploring other paths. Coming from a family of accountants, I was encouraged to look into the financial world. I spent time gaining work experience across Private Equity firms and stockbrokers, but it wasn’t until I stepped onto a Hedge Fund trading floor that I truly found my fit. I loved the energy, the pace, and the constant problem solving.
While at university, I secured a competitive internship at Bank of America. After eight weeks of very early starts and a steep learning curve, I was offered a full time role as a Sales Trader upon graduation. I spent four years there honing my craft before moving to Fidelity, where I became a dedicated trader for a Portfolio Manager. Over my nine years at Fidelity, my role became highly specialized. I focused on the Consumer, Healthcare, and Industrial sectors, using Technical Analysis to navigate the markets. Beyond the day to day trading, one of the most rewarding parts of my career has been acting as a public champion for women in finance. I’m passionate about showing the next generation of women that there is a seat for them at the table, especially on the trading floor.
What skills or experiences from Bromley High School have helped you the most in your career?
The belief I could be anything I wanted to be and that all doors were open to me. Self belief is a hard skill to master, and it takes time to hone that skill, but Bromley High School instils this confidence in girls from an early age. This is instrumental when navigating your own career and any challenges or setbacks you may have along the way.
What was one challenge you faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Being the minority. When I first started in finance women were not commonplace, especially in trading. I was the first female graduate they had hired into trading in 13 years. It wasn’t until I moved to Fidelity where I had a female boss that I really flourished. There was a pivotal moment where she said: “Back yourself, because I do. You run your own business, and I will always support you”. This was a defining moment for me.
What advice would you give to current Sixth Formers who are thinking about their future?
Think about what you truly enjoy. When you are choosing a career, don’t just look at the salary or the title; look for the spark. You need to find a field that genuinely excites and intrigues you. That intellectual curiosity is the only thing that will get you out of bed on those cold, dark, wet Monday mornings. If you aren’t fueled by a true interest in what you do, the “grind” will eventually wear you down. Choose the thing that makes you want to keep asking why.
Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and look into “non-stereotypical” industries. If you find yourself drawn to a male dominated field or a niche sector that isn’t on your friends’ radars, lean into it.
Is there anything you wish you’d known about work or university when you were at school?
Success isn’t a straight line, and it certainly isn’t a one size fits all formula. Be bold enough to think outside the box and ignore the pressure to follow the “expected” route. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. It is far better to take the time now to discover what truly resonates with you than to spend years chasing someone else’s version of success.