COMPANY PREPARATION GUIDEPreparing for a job at abrdn
Clients investing better through research, platforms and careful, efficient delivery is what abrdn aims for, so candidates should show they can help make that happen.
What abrdn is known for
An investment company with Edinburgh heritage, operating from Scotland and London.
Investment management, research and platforms for individuals and institutions.
Teams in Bengaluru and Singapore, and strategic stakes in Indian asset managers.
What tends to matter at abrdn
The capabilities that shape most roles here, and how to get ready for each.
Investment fundamentals
Whatever your function, sound grasp of markets and asset classes shapes your credibility.
How to prepare: Refresh how equities, bonds and funds behave, and be ready to discuss one idea with evidence.
Private markets knowledge
Building private market alternatives is a stated priority.
How to prepare: Learn how private assets differ from listed ones in liquidity, valuation and risk.
Client-first thinking
The mission is to help clients become better investors, so clarity and trust come first.
How to prepare: Practise explaining a complex product or result to a client in plain words.
Efficient delivery
Improving profitability means work is expected to be cost-aware and well prioritised.
How to prepare: Prepare examples where you simplified a process or chose carefully what to leave out.
The MinTraq readiness lens for abrdn
MinTraq measures readiness in four areas. Here is how each one applies at abrdn.
Finance, analytics or technology skills grounded in how asset managers and platforms work form the base.
Expect scenarios on balancing client interests, risk limits and efficiency when priorities compete.
Leadership roles focus on guiding teams across locations and making clear decisions with limited resources.
AI readiness matters in research, client reporting and operations, where tools can speed analysis if outputs are checked.
Same company, different preparation
Preparing for abrdn is not one thing. What you need to show depends on the role you want.
Investment and research
Preparation centres on building and defending a view, valuing assets and communicating conviction and uncertainty honestly.
Prepare for this role →Technology and data
The emphasis is on reliable platforms, data quality and supporting investment teams, including from Bengaluru.
Prepare for this role →Client, risk and operations
Candidates prepare for service quality, controls and accuracy, with clear communication to clients and colleagues.
Prepare for this role →How MinTraq builds your abrdn preparation
- 1Choose your target roleTell us the role you want at abrdn, and your current experience.
- 2Take a calibrated assessmentFunctional knowledge, situational judgement, leadership where relevant, and AI readiness, weighted for abrdn and that role.
- 3See your gap analysisA clear view of your strongest areas and the gaps that matter most, not a generic score.
- 4Close the gapsLearning pathways built from your own gaps, not a one-size-fits-all course list.
- 5Rehearse with MiraPractise interviews with Mira, our interview practice partner, prepared for abrdn and your role.
abrdn at a glance
Common questions about preparing for abrdn
How should I prepare for a role at abrdn?
Understand what an asset manager does, then focus on your function. Bring examples of rigorous analysis or dependable delivery, and show interest in private markets.
Do I need an investment background to join abrdn?
Not for every role. Technology and operations roles value strong skills first, but knowing the investment context makes your contribution clearer.
How can MinTraq help me prepare for abrdn?
MinTraq builds a preparation journey around abrdn and the role you want. It measures your readiness, shows the gaps that matter most for that role, recommends learning for those gaps and lets you rehearse interviews with Mira, MinTraq's interview practice partner.
Preparing for another banking & financial services company?
MinTraq is an independent career preparation platform and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by abrdn.