Young Professionals: Koen Lamers (Probability & Partners)
This special was originally written in Dutch. This is an English translation.
The world in which investors operate has become more complex and unpredictable in a short period of time. Geopolitical tensions, technological developments and structural transitions are increasingly setting the agenda. Financial Investigator asked young professional Koen Lamers, Quantitative Consultant at Probability & Partners, how he experiences these developments in his daily work.
By Daan Nijssen
Which international development currently has the most influence on your daily work, and how?
‘Broadly speaking, there are currently three major themes within international developments: geopolitics, tech & AI, and sustainability. When I look at what influences my average day the most, I can be brief. Not only because I can say very little about it, but also because it is undeniable to us as ‘young professionals’ which development has the greatest impact on our daily work: tech and the rise of AI. For our generation, this is an interesting addition to the list, which starts with serving as guinea pigs for the abolition of the basic student grant and the introduction of the loan system – in other words, being part of the unlucky generation. Secondly, there is the insane housing market for first-time buyers, and thirdly, the declining demand for juniors in the labour market.
It is essential for juniors to be proficient in AI: LLMs are now our newest competitors.
The last point on this list cannot be viewed separately from the rapidly growing impact of AI and other technologies, especially within the financial sector. Whether you are for or against it, it is now clear that the AI (bubble) has not yet reached its final stage. Just for fun, take a look at the astronomical amounts currently being invested in tech and AI by almost all leading companies.
Within the financial sector, I see a decline in demand for juniors, which is understandable. In order to take over the original role of a junior, the aforementioned investments only need to live up to their grand expectations to a limited extent. In short, this international development is causing the demand for young professionals to decline and their substantive role to change. As a junior, it is essential to be skilled in working with this new technology: LLMs are now our newest competitors.’
Read the original special in Financial Investigator magazine
