Astrid Palmstierna

Describe your role and what it is that you do overall and on a day-to-day basis.

I work in impact private equity at a large asset management firm. We invest in leading mid-sized companies that contribute to a better world and manage them by driving growth, operational improvements and by helping them with scaling their impact. 

My daily tasks include finding companies around the four themes we invest under - climate action, lifelong learning, sustainable living and inclusive growth. I also help taking care of a portfolio company we own and join board meetings and strategic discussions. Most importantly, I spend a lot of time diligencing companies by speaking to experts, working with advisors and doing analytical work on their numbers to decide if we want to acquire them or not.

What interested you about the field/company/role you are currently in?

I wanted to do something that feels meaningful, and I wanted to work with global issues that I find important. A lot of positive change needs to happen in the world during our generation’s careers!

Then I also love working with investing. I have always enjoyed learning new things and in my current job I am learning every day! It is interesting to explore sectors and companies in depth and I have already seen the initial outcome of some of the investments that I have worked on. I also like the high pace and variety of things I get to do day to day. 

Why did you choose to study your subject area at SSE?

I did a Dual Degree in Economic Policy and Finance and found the combination of the topics intriguing, with an opportunity to both learn about how to analyse individual companies, understand how the private sector and financial markets work and at the same time learn about public institutions and policy making and the interaction between the two.

How did your time/education at SSE help guide you to the career journey you have embarked on?

My time during the Master studies helped me immensely. I learned a lot, understood what I wanted to do as my first job, and it was so much fun! I would probably not have received my first investment banking internship without the name on my CV. 

Following the time at SSE, do you have any words of wisdom or advice you would like to share with our current students?

There are so many opportunities during your time at SSE - social clubs, endless parties, corporate events and courses you can take. Don’t stress over not participating in everything, it’s good to try new things but then getting your priorities in a way that is right for you and sticking to them with some persistence will take you a long way towards reaching your goals!