Careers
Career Stories
Melissa Benson
Equity Research
Before joining the equity research team at Wilsons Advisory I was working in clinical research and drug commercialisation; areas of keen interest, and the focus of my PhD and subsequent postdoctoral fellowships. My experience working in science and healthcare, in both industry and academia, made the transition to healthcare-focused equity research a natural move for me. Evaluating the outcomes of clinical trials and assessing pipeline technologies requires a critical mindset; something both scientists and equity analysts share.
I chose Wilsons Advisory because of its reputation as a top boutique advisory firm, particularly in the small and mid-cap space. Since joining, I have received incredible guidance from accomplished mentors whilst being given the time to learn and develop my skills. I have also felt supported in what has been quite a career change for me, and was hastily welcomed into the broader Wilsons Advisory team.
The healthcare sector in Australia is particularly exciting and dynamic. We have produced some of the world’s preeminent healthcare success stories, including CSL, Cochlear and ResMed. Australia is also home to many emerging companies which are shaking up the status quo with their innovative products and business strategies, such as Opthea and Telix Pharmaceuticals. My prior experience in the public and private healthcare sectors has helped me to recognise different drivers and practical considerations of businesses working within this industry, in addition to being able to apply this real-world lens to my analysis which will add a different, and valuable, viewpoint.
Alexandra Kalceff
Investment Advisor
Alexandra started her career in finance in 2006 and has been with Wilsons Advisory since 2017.
Why did you decide to make a career for yourself in financial services?
I’ve always loved the dynamic nature of global markets, and the fact that every day is different. Combining this with my love of managing money (this started at an early age – I was always the “banker” in Monopoly) and interacting with people has made wealth management an enjoyable career over the past eight years.
What is the most important lesson that you’ve learnt in your career to date?
Having started my career in wealth management mid-GFC, I learnt the importance of never delaying a difficult conversation with a client. Managing an individual’s wealth is an incredible responsibility, and being there through positive – and importantly negative – market movements builds a strong foundation of trust.
What are your proudest career achievements so far?
The proudest part of my career has been to see clients achieve their financial objectives so that they can alter the trajectory of their personal and professional lives. The flow-on effect into other areas of life from having financial peace of mind and an implicit trust in your investment adviser cannot be underestimated.
