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Associate Director
We love opening our doors to curious, motivated young people, and while we’re a small team, we say yes whenever we can, especially when someone shows a genuine interest in how wealth management works in the real world. Will first joined us at 17, impressing us with his analytical mindset, thoughtful questions and willingness to get stuck in. Three years later, now studying Finance at Durham University, he returned to deepen his understanding of wealth management and see how much he’d grown. Here’s what Will had to say about his second placement with us…
Having just completed my first year studying Finance at Durham University, I was keen to apply what I had learned in a real-world setting and gain hands-on experience within the financial services industry. I wanted to understand what financial planning looks like beyond my textbooks, how people make decisions about their futures, and how advisers support them through that process. While I’m still exploring which specific path within finance I want to pursue, I know I’m particularly drawn to roles that involve working closely with people and building strong client relationships, something Chadwicks does exceptionally well and one of the reasons I was so keen to return for a second placement.
My first experience at Chadwicks.
I first joined Chadwicks for work experience three years ago at the age of 17. During this placement, I primarily worked on an independent research project focused on US expatriate investment solutions, assigned by Radi. This involved analysing tax-efficient equity structures, researching competitors, and assessing potential market demand for these services. I then presented my findings and recommendations to senior advisers.
This experience gave me a strong introduction to financial analysis and, importantly, taught me how to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. Everyone at Chadwicks was extremely helpful with nudging me in the right direction during this project and making me feel welcome and included in their day-to-day work. Lee helped me immensely with this task, explaining key areas and offering advice where necessary.
Returning to Chadwicks.
I returned to Chadwicks for a second placement this month, which gave me a much broader and deeper understanding of both wealth management and the firm’s overall approach. Returning this time, I felt far more confident than during my first placement, but I quickly realised how much more there was to learn when seeing financial concepts applied in real time.
I was involved in team meetings, including investment and client-related discussions, and gained exposure to how decisions are made in practice. I also worked with Excel and helped edit investment committee materials, which enhanced my technical skills. A key project Stirling tasked me with involved creating a presentation on major macroeconomic factors currently influencing global markets. These included:
Through this, I developed a much clearer understanding of how global events and economic indicators directly influence financial markets and investment strategies. I also explored the future impact of artificial intelligence on global natural interest rates, considering both short- and long-term implications and how this may reshape the global economy.
What I learned at Chadwicks
One of the biggest takeaways from my time at Chadwicks was their approach to client relationships. The firm clearly prioritises long-term trust and communication with clients over short-term portfolio performance. This is something that sets them apart from many larger firms. Their investment philosophy focuses on the idea that, while markets can be volatile in the short term, they tend to rise over time, and that long-term investing is key to managing risks such as inflation. This mindset really stood out to me and is something I strongly admire and want to incorporate into how I work with clients and lead teams in the future. James Bacon was key in explaining this philosophy to me.
Equally important was the environment itself. Chadwicks is a small, very welcoming environment, making it an ideal place for students. Vanessa made me feel very welcome. Everyone was incredibly approachable and took the time to explain things I did not fully understand. Angela was a particular standout during my time at Chadwicks. She took several hours out of her day to walk me through her role and how the firm markets itself to clients and the wider public. Marketing was an area I had limited prior exposure to, but Angela explained it in great depth and gave me a valuable insight into how Chadwicks communicates its expertise and values.
Other work experience.
Alongside my time at Chadwicks, I have been lucky to land some work experience at FRP Advisory, primarily within their Corporate Finance team. During this placement, I worked on acquisition proposals, including analysing financial forecasts, EBITDA, purchase multiples, and deal structures. I also looked at market conditions on both a regional and national scale. In addition, I gained exposure to other areas of the business, including insolvency, tax, and financial advisory. Each team provided workshops and small projects, giving me a well-rounded overview of different areas of finance.
Looking ahead, I am also due to complete a two-week placement with Fil Rouge Capital in Zagreb, Croatia this September, something I am thoroughly looking forward to. I am intrigued to see how this placement will differ from my experiences at FRP and Chadwicks.
Looking ahead..
My experiences so far have reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in finance, particularly within areas that are both analytical and client-focused. Chadwicks has shown me just how people-oriented wealth management is, something I feel suits what I am looking for.
I would strongly recommend Chadwicks to any student considering work experience in finance. The combination of a supportive environment, meaningful projects, and genuine exposure makes it an incredibly valuable experience.
By Will Boyd
June 2026.