Role: Associate Director, Business Intake
Company: Baker & McKenzie NI Limited
Track Record:
As an Associate Director of Risk and Business Intake at an international firm, Marie-Claire Le Houerou’s role is both global and local.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
After I completed an Arts Degree at Queen’s University, Belfast, I took a gap year, followed by a postgraduate at University of Ulster, Jordanstown where my course director, who was a great mentor and friend, encouraged me to consider a move to the Channel Islands. I knew very little about Jersey apart from its association with Bergerac and its beautiful scenery! I had always been a home bird and had never considered the idea of leaving County Down. Little did I know Jersey would become home for seven years, the place where I would embark on my career in the Financial Industry and where I would meet my husband who is from Brittany.
I worked in Fund Administration for several years and moved into a Global Financial Firm in the role of Business Intake Manager, eventually transferring from Jersey to Dublin.
Late 2014 saw me returning to my roots as I secured a position with Baker & McKenzie in Belfast.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I found history fascinating, had a wonderful teacher, and loved learning about how the past impacts on the present and the future.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied Politics and English at Queen’s University, Belfast and went on to complete a Postgraduate in Management and Corporate Governance at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown.
How did you get into your area of work?
I was unsure what I wanted to do after finishing college so I decided to take a gap year and moved to Edinburgh, where my brother was attending university. During that year, I worked and lived in a hostel, and managed a chocolate shop owned by a French chocolatier. It was a popular spot in the early mornings with lawyers on their way to court! While in Edinburgh, I came to the conclusion I wanted to work in business and needed a route there, so I moved back to Belfast to study Management and Corporate Governance. I worked in the Financial Services industry for several years during which time a senior colleague invited me to establish a client on-boarding team and this led me directly to my current position.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
To be honest, I’ve never really had a plan and I don’t recall ever saying, ‘I want to become a…’. However, when opportunities arose or when a mentor or friend made positive suggestions, I listened, considered, and trusted the next step would be the right one, and that’s just how it’s worked out. While this has been a challenging approach at times, it’s also been exciting and rewarding. I’ve met many great and supportive people along the way and I’m very appreciative of the contribution they’ve made towards where I am today.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
Higher education and qualifications are very important. I’ve found work experience is also a great teacher. I’ve learned a lot, both from what I’ve done and from colleagues, past and present.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
I’m an example of an alternative route to the job! I work for one of the biggest law firms in the world and I haven’t studied Law. I suppose in a way, I’m proof that there are alternative routes and opportunities within Baker & McKenzie for people with a range of backgrounds, knowledge and skills.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
I think the most important personal skills required for my job are; commitment, positive interaction with others, adaptability, problem-solving ability and organisational skills. The first of these is probably most important as my commitment keeps me positive on the more challenging days.
What does a typical day entail?
Our Manila team’s business day starts at 3.00 am my time, so it’s important to check-in at the earliest opportunity – which is usually before my cornflakes! Our Chicago team comes on-line around 3.00 pm, so I’ll catch up with my manager and team there and see how we’re doing with workloads.
I speak with the Office of General Counsel, who are based in both Belfast and Chicago several times throughout the day on a wide variety of risk and legal matters, and act as a liaison between General Counsel, partners and offices.
I have a local as well as a global role – this means, in addition to connecting with colleagues in many different countries, I work closely with the Client/Intake team here in Belfast. I am involved in recruitment, and sit on the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, which links with initiatives and life here in Belfast.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
My colleagues are absolutely the best group of people I could ask to work with and I am very proud of what we are achieving at Baker & Mc Kenzie.
As far as challenges, I’d have to say, ensuring I maintain a good work-life balance is the most significant. It can be difficult juggling meeting schedules and ensuring I get home in time for my daughter’s bath and bedtime routine. Luckily, my husband is very supportive and a good cook too!
Sometimes working later into the evenings throws up its own challenges. However, I’m not alone in this respect and the firm’s flexible working policy helps me manage this.
Why is what you do important?
What I do is important as it is essential in protecting our global business from undue risk, and this ensures Baker & McKenzie’s success and reputation is maintained. Clients want to work with organisations that have a responsible, ethical approach – we all have a part to play in achieving that objective.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
I’d say work hard, stay focused and when opportunities present themselves, say, ‘Yes. Learn from your experiences and appreciate and support your colleagues.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I always envisaged myself working in the type of role I’m in now. Throughout my career, I’ve done what I’ve enjoyed and this has led me to where I am today, working for Baker & McKenzie.
If you could go back, what is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Have faith in yourself and really enjoy the journey.
Describe your ideal day off.
An early start with homemade pancakes for breakfast with my family. A walk along the beach, followed by an afternoon spent at the spa, then a lovely meal out in a local restaurant with my family and home for a glass of wine and settle down for the evening with a good book.