The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Senior IR Roadshow Specialist (L3)
3-5 yearsSkills to master
- Flawless execution of complex international roadshows, strong vendor negotiation, initial mentorship of junior staff, deep understanding of executive preferences.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently delivers error-free, high-stakes roadshows with positive executive feedback.
- Proactively identifies and solves logistical challenges without escalation.
- Demonstrates strong leadership potential and a desire to take on broader programme responsibilities.
- Has a solid network within the corporate access community.
- 2
Executive Assistant to C-Suite (in a listed company)
5-8 yearsSkills to master
- Mastery of complex executive calendar management, high-stakes travel logistics, extreme discretion, exposure to board-level communications, strong organisational skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed extensive international travel for multiple senior executives, often with complex itineraries.
- Handled confidential information with absolute discretion and professionalism.
- Demonstrates a keen understanding of the executive's priorities and the business context.
- Has a proven ability to anticipate needs and proactively solve problems.
- 3
Corporate Access Manager (at an Investment Bank)
4-7 yearsSkills to master
- Deep understanding of the buy-side and sell-side landscape, investor targeting, event management, client relationship management, negotiation skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully connected corporate clients with relevant institutional investors.
- Managed complex corporate access events (e.g., conferences, NDRs) for multiple companies.
- Has a strong network of institutional investor contacts and a good grasp of their investment styles.
- Demonstrates strong organisational and client-facing skills.