Lauran Halpin, USA
Within a year of arriving in Scotland, Lauran Halpin had a life changing experience: she’d met the man of her dreams and made a significant change in her career.
Today Lauran is just completing her three-year graduate recruitment programme with Baillie Gifford, one of the UK's leading independently owned investment management firms.
What brought you to Scotland?
I came in 2004 originally to complete a post grad in ecological economics at the University of Edinburgh, but by the end of the course I did not feel that I wanted to work in environmental consultancy.
During that year I met Mike through one of my flat mates and later, when we were on holiday in Tanzania, he proposed half way up Mount Kilimanjaro! I was out of breath, but I said yes!
What got you into financial services?
I worked in a few temporary jobs in Edinburgh, but it was when I worked for an independent advisor researching the best performing fund managers that I first became aware of this sector.
It opened my eyes to fund management and appealed to me as I enjoy research.
What attracted you to Baillie Gifford?
I liked the fact that it was independent and was proud to be different from the other larger institutions.
The graduate programme is fantastic and as it has a fairly flat structure you really get a chance to learn and share ideas. I’m currently working as the firm’s Global Healthcare Analyst and am tasked with finding interesting healthcare stocks from around the world.
How do you find living in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh is a lovely place to live and it’s amazing that it is an epicentre of business but surrounded by beautiful countryside which is only a short drive away.
My big love is my horse Polly which I keep in the country only half an hour’s drive away. My chosen discipline is dressage and we enjoy competing regularly.
I’m so glad I came to Scotland – I’ve got great work experience and have a very good life.