Keanu Boucher

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Mercer

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

Since graduating from the University of Exeter in 2022, I was accepted into a 6-month Graduate Program with the Mercer Investment Team based in Dubai. Since then, I have grown within the team to where I am now leading key projects with institutional investors across the Middle East to enable them to achieve their investment objectives.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose this career as it fulfills my passion in helping organisations effectively manage and deploy their capital to positively impact industries, sectors, companies, and people in the Middle East to the greatest extent.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I was part of the Exeter University Touch Rugby Society which greatly improved my collaboration, team working, and leadership skills. I was also part of the Exeter Consulting society, which helped improve my presentational and problem solving skills.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I enjoyed the wide variety of modules to pick from. Having a broad base of knowledge across the investment industry is very important to leverage in conversations with clients.

Most memorable highlight was working on a group project for one of my sustainable finance modules, where the varying opinions from the diverse backgrounds of my group members enabled us to create a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to crafting a interesting presentation to the assessors.

What did you most enjoy about studying here?

The positive attitude towards learning and working hard was encouraged with great support systems, engaging lecturers, and friendly cohorts.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Perfect mixture of high-level education, networking, social connection, personable skill development, adventure, and nature.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The ability to work effectively in a team environment has proven to be a underappreciated skill that has allowed me to set myself apart from my other colleagues at work. Being recognised as a reliable and dedicated team member at work stemmed from the great friendships and connections I fostered in group projects, team sports, and social activities and events I was involved in at Exeter.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Connect with your colleagues, do not study alone in the comfort of your home, engage, share, learn from each other.

Maximise your time on campus, and maximise your time during summer breaks with relevant work experience and internships.

What are your plans for the future?

To continue within the Investment industry, whether its staying in the current position I am as an investment consultant/advisor or transitioning internally to a position within an asset owner, such as a Sovereign Wealth Fund, Family Office, Endowment/Foundation.