VERONIK VERKEST - Business development
Salary range
AUD$70,000 p.a. Base salary + bonus + shares
AUD$120,000 - $160,000 p.a. Experienced + bonus + shares
(Bonus can be 100% of the base salary)
What I studied
Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biochemistry 1987
Master of Business Administration (MBA) 1990
Career path
Biochemist - Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney 1990
Consultant - Frank Russell Company 1991 - 1996
Head of Business Development - Frank Russell Company 1997 - present
“I enjoyed learning science at school and I read about biochemistry in a career profile book and liked the idea. After completing a BSc I wanted to put my theoretical interest to work and did an Honours project. I then wanted to experience a real job and went to the Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney where I studied the osteocalcin gene’s involvement in osteoporosis.
“I had an interest in the commercial side of science and biotechnology which led me to do an MBA. When I look at my life in retrospect, I guess I developed an interest from when I was very young. My parents always taught me the power of saving. I loved seeing my money grow in my bank passbook.
“When I was a scientist, I bought some shares - including Cochlear. That personal portfolio has now grown ... and I guess I still love looking up what is happening to my assets and reading up on the companies I am invested in.
“However, I never really thought I’d end up working in investments. I did the MBA and was drawn to the more rational subjects (finance, investments and statistics rather than marketing, human resources). Then the Managing Director of Frank Russell recruited where I did my MBA and I thought it sounded like a good company to work for.
“Frank Russell Company provides a range of services to institutional (large company/super funds) investors rather than retail mum and dad investors. These services include advice and/or implementation of that advice.
“We help a lot of people get better returns ... which ultimately translates into a better retirement life. I love presenting to Trustee Boards - working out the superannuation fund trustee’s needs and convincing them that Russell can help them better than the competition. And the best part is winning a new client.”
My advice for students
“Be true to who you are. There is no point trying to go for a job that is not you. Go for an industry you like and a company that looks after its employees ... then in time you will find your niche in that company/industry. It may take some time and you may get some jobs you really dislike, but you will learn from that what you like and don’t, and move on to something that really suits you. Hang in there ... life is about learning.”