In her role as director within the Public Funds - Institutional Client Group in Asset Management (NTAM), Ashley Alson says no two days are ever the same. Her role is to deliver NTAM’s investment solutions, including equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes to current and potential clients. Ashley further discusses the unique culture at Northern Trust and says how it is very hard to explain it to others outside the firm.

Describe your role at Northern Trust.

I work with public pension plans, international banks, sovereign wealth funds, and tribal governments - I deliver NTAM’s investment solutions, including equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes to current and potential clients.

Take us through how you ended up at Northern Trust?

I had worked at other asset management firms covering mid-sized institutions.

Northern Trust presented me with an opportunity to work with some larger clients and progress in my career. I knew the person running our team from a past firm and knew I would enjoy working with him.

What are you most proud of in your career at Northern Trust so far?

How I have represented the firm and the trust I have built with my clients.

What does a typical “day-in-the-life” at Northern Trust look like for you?

No two days are ever the same! 

When you work with clients or are trying to bring in new clients, you never know what will come your way, which keeps the job interesting.

I work on request for proposal’s (RFPs), connect with potential clients, help current clients with issues, share thought leadership, conduct portfolio reviews, travel and meet with new and existing clients in their offices and attend board meetings, amongst many other things!

When did you realize that Northern Trust was a good fit for your career?

Northern Trust is a good fit for me as I came from a public fund household myself, so I understand the client base I work with. 

I also think Northern Trust is more modest than many other firms in our industry, which is a good fit for my personality. I take my work seriously, but don’t take myself too seriously.

How has Northern Trust supported your career objectives / development?

I really just enjoy working with clients and trying to bring in new clients, which Northern Trust has allowed me to do for the 8 years I have worked here. In addition, I’ve had the privilege of working with some more complex clients over the years.

What has surprised you most about life at Northern Trust so far?

How unique the culture is - it is very hard to explain it to others outside the firm. Everyone is very approachable, collaborative, and respectful. People root for each other and help each other out.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust? Or general tips for career success?

As your career progresses, you will determine what matters most to you and what your priorities are. Be open to new opportunities and things you might not have considered. These experiences will help shape those priorities.

What advice would you give to new joiners beginning their careers at Northern Trust?

Ask a lot of questions and try a lot of different things to determine what you really love to do.

Fast Facts

Name: Ashley Alson

Role: Director, Public Funds - Institutional Client Group

Business Unit: Asset Management

Geographic Location: North America

Career Level: Senior Vice President

Education: Bachelors of Science, Accounting from Purdue University

Hometown / where are you living now: I grew up in West Lafayette, IN but now I live in Heath, TX (smaller town just east of Dallas).

Fun fact: I lived in Chicago for 10 years before I worked at Northern Trust.

Where do you volunteer your time? I don’t have a lot of free time because I have 2 young children, but I like to spend time helping out at my daughter’s school and joining their events when I can.

What are you reading / podcast recommendation: I really enjoy the Huberman Labs podcasts when I have enough time to listen to one all the way through.

Best advice you’ve received (work or non-work related): To be authentic in all situations - people can always tell when you are being yourself.

Describe Northern Trust in one word: Unique Culture (sorry I know that’s two words!)

Careers at Northern Trust

Come find your greater at Northern Trust. Review our open roles here.