Career Advice

Career Advice For Women Who Want A Career In Finance, From Women In Finance

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One of the more exciting developments in recent years has no doubt been the emergence of women driven towards financial independence, and this drive extends far beyond small home-based businesses or SMEs.

But even as more women are entering the field, there is a strange paradox that occurs.  According to The World Economic Forum who released a report on “The Global Gender Pay Gap”, as career levels rise – female representation declines.  Now there are all sorts of reasons for this, but don’t let that stop you.  Women are ideally suited to careers in finance where there has traditionally been a lack of emotional intelligence and empathy in a field that reaches and impacts the lives of so many.

But as challenging as this field can be for women, take a look at this article from Barron’s and draw inspiration from 100 globally inspired women that are completely changing the face of the financial services landscape – and doing so with guts and purpose.

Women are ideally suited to careers in finance where there has traditionally been a lack of emotional intelligence and empathy in a field that reaches and impacts the lives of so many.Click To Tweet

From global finance and hedge-fund management, risk advisory services and trading in CFDs, women are breaking new, global ground and changing the world as we know it.  

Here are some tips on how to succeed in finance.

#1 – On Preparation

Clare Woodman, C.E.O of Morgan Stanley – “Rather than strive for perfection, you’ll be much better off striving to be as prepared as you can be.”

#2 – On Effective Leadership

Alexandra Taussig, Senior Vice President of Lifetime Client Engagement, Fidelity Investments

“I think effective leadership — regardless of the industry — is taking the time to really get to know and relate to people on a personal level. You need to learn what makes them tick, what motivates them, what they value and what their life is like outside of the office. The more you connect and understand the people you work with, the better you’ll be able to communicate, collaborate and motivate them to drive towards your goals.

#3 – On overcoming obstacles

Rebecca Glasmann Co-head of diversity and inclusion Russell Reynolds Associates

“I returned from my third (and final) maternity leave in September 2008 and had to reignite my career in an imploding financial services sector. I kept calm, surveyed the landscape and drew on longstanding relationships. As a result, I had my busiest year ever, helping to build restructuring teams.

#4 – On advice for women wanting to enter a career in finance

Vickie Wicks, Principal and Financial Advisor, Edward Jones Investments

“One piece of advice for women looking to find success in finance would be: just do it. If you want to make an impact that will provide a foundation of success for everyone you serve — your family and your community — this career is for you.”

#5 – On “emotional women”

Jennifer Bacarella, Executive and Director of  Firm Development, Sigma Financial Corporation

“I have been told I am emotional, but I like to say I am passionate. I think having emotion is something that can be used against us, but emotion is what drives me. How I feel, how I make others feel…that is how I define myself.”

Preparation is king, always.  You may be nervous in interviews or not always sure about what to wear, but this is not that time.  The world has never been more ready for strong female leadership. A common theme that you’ll hear discussed when making changes in your life and embarking on a new career are questions and concerns about timing when the fact of the matter is this: There has never been a better time than right now.

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