Voices of finance: primary research firm manager.

(From Guardian Unlimited)

At the manager's suggestion we are meeting for a beer at one of his favourite pubs, a traditional English outfit near his office with wood panelling, pub quizzes and a roof terrace where he can have a smoke. He is in his early 30s, from east Asia. His accent is American, absorbed over years spent in New York and international schools across the globe. Dressed in jeans, he keeps a suit in the office in case he has to meet a client.

"Let me tell you, the financial sector is not rocket science. There is a lot of lingo, I mean a lot, and you have to master all that jargon. But you don't have to be brilliant to work in finance, you have to be smart enough. And then you have to be willing to put in really, really long hours. And be competitive. It is an endurance game, in part.

"I read my email as soon as I get up, see what has …