Oliver North: Analyst at boutique M&A advisory

What programme did you do at Amplify Trading?

I did the three month Career Programme and went on to trade on the live market through Amplify for a further three months before going away travelling.

What were the main things you learned in your time with Amplify?

Firstly, I gained a deep understanding about the interdependencies between the various asset classes and how important it is to be aware of the fundamental drivers behind each market. Secondly, I learnt how important recognising and being aware of your own trading psychology is and how it can impact upon maintaining a consistent performance (I quickly learnt that this a lot easier said than done). Thirdly, I recognised the importance of having patience and adhering to strict risk management parameters. 

What are you doing now?

I am working as an Analyst at Oghma Partner's which is a boutique M&A advisory.   

Did learning about financial markets and trading help in the application process?

M&A and trading are obviously two very different disciplines but I think learning about financial markets meant that I had gained a solid platform on which to explore other areas within finance. It also meant that I was continually reading the financial press so was aware of the latest trends and stories which helped during the various interviews.  I believe the skills gained whilst learning how to trade helped massively during the process. I was able to draw upon practical examples in order to demonstrate certain skills such as being highly analytical or having a high attention to detail. I think also having hands on front desk experience meant that I was able to stand out from the rest of the applicants. My time at Amplify was certainly a topic of conversation in all the interviews that I attended.  

Would you recommend attending an Amplify course to a friend?

Yes, I would recommend the course to anyone not just those wanting to pursue a career in trading as the course gives you a invaluable set of practical skills.  

You can view Oliver's LinkedIn profile HERE.