Szymon Idzikowski

Szymon Idzikowski: A graduate with over 17 years of experience in investment advisory and portfolio management. He has been living and working in the United Arab Emirates for the past 10 years. Currently, he manages the wealth of a Middle Eastern family. In his previous role, he worked as a fund manager at one of the largest banks in the Middle East – Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. He began his career in London as an investment fund analyst. Szymon holds a Master’s degree from the Poznań University of Economics and Business, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Abertay Dundee, and is a CFA charterholder.

1. The most pivotal moment in your career?

The first company I worked for focused on data analysis, investment advisory, and asset management. I started out as a data analyst. I quickly realized that in finance—at least in the segment and company I worked for—the position of data analyst, while interesting, was not the most prestigious one. It was the investment analysts and portfolio managers who had a greater impact on financial markets, client outcomes, and the company’s revenue. From that point on, I knew which direction I wanted my career to take. A few years later, transitioning into the role of investment analyst set the course for my career that I still follow today.

2. Your biggest professional success?

As a Fund Manager at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, managing products with assets exceeding USD 500 million.

3. If you could go back to the starting point—but with all the knowledge and experience you now have—what would you do differently?

I would take part in more student exchange programs and start them earlier, and I would do more internships. Student exchanges open doors to experiencing other cultures and establishing international relationships. During university, I used to judge universities and teaching methods in terms of being “good” or not. In retrospect, I understand it’s more complex, often tied to cultural contexts. The best example is the U.S. and Japan, which approach learning in completely different ways. In the U.S., the education system focuses on positives, praising correct answers and ignoring the wrong ones. In Japan, problems are often presented without guidance, students are given freedom to solve them, and then solutions are reviewed—emphasizing learning from mistakes. Neither model is necessarily better, but knowing both can help you adapt to different environments, be more effective, and succeed—especially in international settings. It’s similar with internships. An added benefit is that not everyone knows what they want to do in life. Internships can help make that decision (knowing what you don’t want to do can be just as valuable as knowing what you do want to do), and can also help land your first job. When I was starting out in finance, analyst positions at investment banks were filled in 80–90% by people who had already interned at the bank.

4. The recipe for success. How to achieve it? What to focus on? What to avoid? Which skills gained at the Poznań University of Economics and Business proved to be the most valuable?

For most people, the recipe is the same: clearly define your goals and pursue them consistently; focus on personal and professional development; build a network—contacts, relationships—and learn how to promote yourself. Many people I know who have been successful weren’t necessarily better than others, but they were better at “selling” themselves. Success often comes not just from hard work, but from good self-promotion and personal branding.

5. What advice would you give to current students who are just starting their careers?

Invest in your passion. It’s easier to stand out doing something you enjoy than doing something you have to do.