Ming Yang: Stewardship Analyst

Ming Yang

BASC Politics, International Studies, and Global Sustainable Development, 2019

Based in:

London

First job:

Freelance writer, waitress at a restaurant, and sales assistant at a clothing store.

Advice for current students:

Take it easy, and don't envy others – we're all just working at our own pace.

Stewardship Analyst at Federated Hermes Limited

Describe your current role and what attracted you to it.

EOS at Federated Hermes Limited is a leading stewardship provider representing over 70 global institutional investors and advising on more than $2.2 trillion assets. On behalf of investors, I engage with companies in the European markets, primarily across the consumer goods, retail, textile, and pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. My thematic focus is on Natural Resource Stewardship, where I lead on sub-themes such as oceans and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and support areas including deforestation, regenerative agriculture, and biodiversity.

Prior to joining EOS, I was a Sustainability Manager at a British consumer goods company. Having gained corporate-level knowledge and skills in sustainability, strategy building, and implementation, I wanted to apply them at a higher level and explore more than just the corporate side of the story. I entered EOS without prior knowledge of investment stewardship, only to discover the impact and importance investors can have on company sustainability efforts and policy development.

What’s your favourite part of your role?

My team. The culture, diversity, and collaboration across my team are unmatched and what I cherish the most.

What are the key skills you learnt at Warwick that have helped you with your career to date?

Research and critical thinking have definitely helped my career to date.

Did you have a specific career path in mind when you chose to study at Warwick?

There was limited information on possible career paths as a student in the first cohort of the Global Sustainable Development degree.

What top tips do you have for Warwick graduates who would like to work in your sector?

It is quite a niche sector I work in, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions about it. I would say stewardship is much more about passion and curiosity than anything else. If you enjoy challenges, building relationships, and are open to new areas and ideas, then stewardship is for you.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Researching companies or sustainability themes, engagement meetings with companies, meeting investor clients, and attending conferences or events.

What do you know now that you wish you had known when you were applying for jobs?

There are so many different kinds of sustainability-related jobs. The University or department has the responsibility of sharing information with students, but reaching out to people and alumni would also help to broaden your knowledge and pool of options.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given in relation to your career?

Stay true to who you are. Draw boundaries. Seek feedback to improve, but also recognise your strengths.