The Eton College Investment Society helps students get real exposure to finance by working directly with leading professionals. The Society’s sessions focus on practical career insights and market perspectives that extend beyond academics. This term, students heard from two prominent finance leaders: Carmine Visconti, the EMEA Head of TMT at UBS, and John Armitage, founder of hedge fund Egerton Capital.
Carmine Visconti detailed his unconventional path into investment banking, emphasising that career success does not require a predetermined plan. He entered the industry with no finance background, showing that opportunity can come from anywhere.
Visconti explained that modern recruitment practices in banking have evolved to prioritise demonstrable impact over specific academic credentials. He noted that banks now actively seek candidates from diverse educational backgrounds including humanities and social sciences, provided they can show evidence of substantive achievement or impact made in their chosen fields.
Regarding professional development, Visconti stressed that while technical skills can be acquired through training, the capacity for sustained commitment is a more valuable quality, as you “can coach a skill but can’t coach an ability”. He compared the required dedication to that of professional athletes, emphasising the importance of consistency and resilience.
On the topic of European business culture, Visconti suggested that risk aversion continues to limit the growth potential of technology companies compared to their American counterparts, where more ambitious vision and greater tolerance for failure often lead to larger outcomes.
John Armitage provided perspective from the investment management side, focusing on fundamental principles for long-term career success. He recommended that students select university courses based on genuine intellectual interest rather than perceived career utility, arguing that authentic engagement with a subject builds the curiosity necessary for sustained achievement.
Armitage contrasted the role of innate intelligence with the practice of consistent effort, noting that while academic ability provides an initial advantage, professional advancement depends more heavily on disciplined work habits and adaptability.
A significant portion of Armitage’s discussion addressed professional ethics and culture. He emphasised that career satisfaction and performance are linked to personal integrity and the quality of professional relationships. On market outlook, Armitage expressed caution regarding current investment conditions and highlighted the significant uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence’s economic impact.
The Investment Society’s meetings with Visconti and Armitage provided students with contrasting but complementary perspectives on professional development. While their specific roles differ, both speakers emphasised foundational qualities including resilience, intellectual curiosity, and ethical consistency. The Society continues to provide students with practical frameworks for evaluating career paths and developing the personal qualities that support long-term professional success.