About Akiko…

Akiko Kamimura studied BSc Education and graduated from The University of Manchester in 2024. She now works in Tokyo for Bank of America (one of the world’s largest financial companies). As an Equity Research Analyst, Akiko is part of the bank’s award-winning research wing.

The present – how does an Education degree prepare you to work in finance?

Tell us about your current role. What does an Equity Research Analyst do?

As an Equity Research Analyst at Bank of America, I analyse companies in the beauty and consumer products sector. I then produce investment research and financial analysis for institutional investors.

My role involves evaluating company performance, building financial models, meeting with management teams, and collaborating with colleagues across Europe, the US, and Asia to understand global industry trends.

How does your BSc Education help in your work with Bank of America? Does your degree translate well to working in equity analysis?

Although my degree was in Education rather than Finance, it gave me many of the skills I use every day in equity research.

Through designing research projects, analysing qualitative and quantitative data, and evaluating evidence critically, I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills. These are essential for understanding companies and industries.

It also strengthened my communication skills. It taught me how to explain complex ideas clearly and work effectively with people from different backgrounds. These skills have been invaluable when collaborating with colleagues across Europe, the US and Asia, and when presenting investment ideas to clients.

How has your career unfolded so far? Was it a big adjustment to go from studying Education to working for a financial institution?

I joined Bank of America right after graduating from Manchester.

Initially, I covered the automotive industry. I now focus on the beauty and consumer products sector.

Moving from Education into investment banking was an unexpected career path. But, in my new role, I quickly discovered how valuable the skills from my degree were in a fast-paced financial environment.

Alongside my full-time role, I also continue to pursue my passion for education. I share advice on studying abroad and help prospective students make informed decisions about their educational journeys.

Has your work since graduating with your BSc in Education been what you expected? Or has any of it surprised you?

One of the most unexpected aspects has been the transition from studying Education to working in investment banking as an Equity Research Analyst.

At first, the two fields seemed completely unrelated. However, I soon realised that the core skills I developed at university – research, critical thinking, and communication – were highly transferable.

This experience taught me that your degree does not limit your career path; instead, it equips you with ways of thinking and learning that can open doors to opportunities you may never have imagined.

The past – how did Education at Manchester help Akiko shape her next steps?

What made you decide to study Education at The University of Manchester? What swayed your decision to choose this city and this university?

I chose to study Education at The University of Manchester because the course focused on the broader theories, policies, and social impact of education.

This was unlike many education programmes in Japan that primarily prepare students to become teachers.

I wanted to understand how education shapes society from an academic and global perspective.

I was also drawn to Manchester’s diverse international community and vibrant student environment. Here, I could learn alongside people from all over the world.

Are there any moments from your time at Manchester that stand out as being really influential?

One of the most influential experiences during my degree was becoming a Student Ambassador.

As an Ambassador, I often spoke to prospective students about my own journey. This helped me realise that sharing my experiences could genuinely inspire and support others.

My dissertation, which explored the challenges faced by Japanese students studying abroad, deepened my interest in international education. More than that, it gave me the opportunity to conduct meaningful research on a topic I cared about.

Those experiences have come full circle since graduation. They have led to opportunities to work on study abroad and international education projects alongside my career in equity research.

And in terms of takeaways from your degree, do you feel studying Education set you up for success? Are there any skills or areas of expertise that you’ve drawn on a lot since?

The two skills that have been most valuable since graduation are research design and communication.

My degree taught me how to design rigorous research, collect and analyse evidence, and draw well-supported conclusions — skills that I now use every day when analysing companies and industries in equity research.

Studying in a diverse international environment also challenged me to communicate and defend my ideas confidently, even in unfamiliar situations. That experience has been invaluable when working with colleagues and clients from all over the world.

Did you take advantage of the University’s Careers service to help you take your first steps in that impressive career? If so, how did they help?

I found my job through CareerForum.Net (CFN), a career platform that connects bilingual students with global employers. I also used the Careers service for Resume and CV checks.

The future – what can you achieve when you learn to step outside your comfort zone?

What are your goals for your career? Using all the skills and experience you’ve talked about, what difference do you hope to make?

In the short term, I hope to establish myself as a successful equity research analyst and continue developing my expertise in global financial markets.

In the long term, my ambition is to build my own company, where I can help guide and support people in achieving their goals.

Above all, I want to encourage more students to study abroad. I want to show them that international experiences can open doors to opportunities they may never have imagined.

Do you have any advice for current or aspiring Education students? Any key lessons you want to pass on?

My biggest advice is to never let your degree define what you think you can become. It’s never too late to pursue a new path, and you are capable of far more than you might imagine.

Be courageous. Take opportunities, even if they seem outside your comfort zone. And remember that consistent effort after taking the first step is what turns possibilities into reality.

You can find out more about what it’s like to be an Education student (and read more profiles from students and alumni) on the Education Student Stories page.

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