Fresh faces

Tanesha Hypolite TEP

Trust Administrator, TMF Group

Tanesha completed the Exam Route between 2019 and 2021, becoming a TEP in July 2021

Tell us about your career

I have an educational background and work experience in the fields of nutritional science and education. In 2018, I made a career change and have since been working as a Trust Administrator at TMF (BVI) in the British Virgin Islands.

What led you into the trusts and estates field?

Working abroad in Taiwan and realising a large number of companies operating there were registered in my hometown piqued my interest in offshore financial services. Therefore, when I saw a vacancy for a Junior Trust Administrator advertised on my return home, my curiosity compelled me to apply.

How did you learn about STEP?

Several of my colleagues are Full Members of STEP and highly recommended obtaining the TEP qualification. Admiring their knowledge of trusts and estates and the networking opportunities that STEP provides motivated me to get involved.

What made you want to become a TEP?

Pursuing the TEP designation was a means for me to learn more about an industry I was fairly new to, better serve my clients and grow in my career.

How did you find the Exam Route process?

Studying while working full time presented its challenges, but I am so grateful for the flexibility that distance learning allowed me.

What is the value of a TEP designation for your career? 

STEP is a network that will allow me to continue growing, keeping me abreast of new developments globally and allowing me to learn from the experience and insight of other members. As the TEP designation is the internationally recognised qualification for trusted knowledge in this industry, it will certainly broaden my opportunities.

What do you think makes a successful, trusted advisor?

A continued willingness to learn and a genuine interest in finding solutions to best meet the needs of clients.

What would you say to members considering becoming a TEP?

The wealth of knowledge you gain and the trust you earn are invaluable.

Rachel Dawson TEP

Chartered Legal Executive, Gotelee Solicitors

Rachel began as an Affiliate on the Essay Route in 2019, upgraded to Associate in 2020 and completed her third and final essay at the end of 2020; she upgraded to TEP in April 2021.

Tell us about your career

I started my legal career at the age of 19 at a local law firm as a legal secretary. I then enrolled on the CILEX course and took on a fee earner role as a trainee Chartered Legal Executive. I qualified as a Chartered Legal Executive in 2013.

What led you into the trusts and estates field?

I always found this area of law interesting; however, I felt that clients were often nervous about trusts, as they did not truly understand them. I felt that by developing my knowledge in this area, I would be able to clearly explain and assist clients in this field.

How did you learn about STEP?

Having attended several STEP meetings in my early career, I decided that I would like to further my career and knowledge and decided to enrol with STEP via the Essay Route to become a TEP. I believe that STEP is a recognised industry standard of excellence and expertise.

What made you want to become a TEP?

My team leader was the Student Liaison Officer for our local STEP branch and she had given me the confidence to pursue the Essay Route. I am very proud to have been admitted as a Full Member of STEP, as it gives me the highest level of credibility available as a private client lawyer. I feel that by achieving this qualification, my clients have further assurance and confidence.

How did you find the Essay Route process?

I liked the fact that I could choose the topics that interested me the most. I was able to use my existing knowledge and experience to tackle the questions, but there was still a need to carry out further research, which, in turn, furthered my knowledge and has since given me more confidence when advising my clients.

What is the value of a TEP designation for your career?

The TEP designation has already provided me with opportunities in my career. I envisage that it will allow me to access more senior positions, as it can demonstrate my expertise in the area of trusts and estates. Being a member of STEP will also ensure that my level of knowledge is kept up‑to‑date and will allow access to better training and networking with like‑minded professionals.

What do you think makes a successful, trusted advisor?

Someone who can provide their clients with assurance that they are receiving accurate advice and can solve client problems effectively.

What would you say to members considering becoming a TEP?

Whether you are contemplating the Exam or Essay Route, I would say it is definitely worth doing as there is no doubt that it will further your knowledge, enhance the advice that you can give to clients and offer exciting new opportunities.