I studied psychology and motivation of human behavior and decision making. Working on a trading floor is extremely social and communicative. We sit inches from each other, are constantly on the phone, at client dinners and in meetings all day. Reading people beyond their words and anticipating their wants and needs is paramount. 

My education enhanced my natural curiosity, solidified my interest in others and desire for continual learning. I was hungry to challenge myself and continue to grow. What you decide to study in school is not what matters the most.  You learn so much on the job. What matters is that you dive deeply and passionately into something. That is what translates into career success.

Forbes and Goldman Sachs are incredible companies with very different cultures (both good!). I met many impressive and admirable people at both places. I think it’s important to experience different opportunities before choosing a career path. It’s like dating. You learn more about what you want from an employer and your preferences with each job and experience. I wanted a fast paced, ever changing, competitive work environment with high energy, collaboration and interaction. The rush of the trading floor was a great fit for me.

Goldman Sachs’ culture of teamwork, mentorship, meritocracy and high expectations make it a great place to work. People hold themselves to a high standard and lead by example. My co-workers are good, interesting people with families, hobbies, different cultural and social backgrounds, crazy-impressive histories and a lot of ambition and personality.

Finance isn’t just for men! Goldman Sachs has an incredible women’s network that hosts events, speaker series and networking opportunities. I’ve had the privilege of having many female mentors and sponsors because I simply reached out to talk and get advice. As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve also become more involved in recruiting efforts for the firm. I think it’s extremely important for women to stick together and pull each other up. Talking with other women and learning from their experiences has been critical.

I don’t think being a woman made it harder to get a job or promotion. I’ve built my personal brand around the quality of my work and ability to deliver great results. I believe that speaks louder than my gender.

Social skills, quick thinking, great listening skills, clear, concise communication, multitasking, detail oriented, problem solving, creative thinking, quantitative orientation, interest in the markets, organization, collaboration, teamwork, patience, confidence, positive attitude, thick skin….

I would start by spending time with people in your network who work in finance. I always invite students applying for jobs to come to Goldman Sachs’ trading floor and spend a few hours observing, asking questions, and taking in the atmosphere. Ask yourself why you are interested in a career in finance. It’s a lot of hard work, long days, and late nights. Make sure you are genuinely interested and find a role that fits your skill set and preferred work environment. Investment banking, trading, private wealth, and human capital management are all distinctly different. Do your research to learn about the job opportunities and the best fit for you!

I applied for summer internships in sales and trading at large investment banks the summer after my junior year. I had a really great experience at Goldman Sachs and I’ve been working there ever since! Hard work, ambition, interest in the business and delivering quality results helped me grow at the firm to become a vice president.

To those interested in pursuing a career in finance I’d say go for it! Intern if you have the opportunity. It is a great way to test drive the industry before you buy. There is no downside to a ten week experience to learn about the industry, meet great people, form friendships, build a network and push your limits. Plus you may find your career!

Every day is so different. It’s what I enjoy most. My day depends on what is happening in the financial markets, what clients are focused on and what headlines came out overnight.  I typically arrive at the office around 7am, have breakfast at my desk (lunch too) while catching up on emails and news, and getting organized for morning meetings and presentations. Then it is go, go, go! The rest of the day is a wild card!

A large part is sticking with it! Finance is a very competitive and demanding industry. Resilience and being open to feedback is important. Creative thinking, the ability to solve problems, synthesize information quickly and react on the fly is crucial. I also frequently ask my peers for feedback on my performance. I want to know what I do well, and identify my weak spots so I can make them stronger. A career in finance can be a roller coaster. It’s critical to recognize the highs and lows don’t last forever, but overall it is an exciting ride!

Oh, wow! Great question. I’ve always excelled when there is too much on my plate. I don’t stop very often and I need to rest more- I am working on that! Having my daughter definitely shifted my priorities. There is a time and a place for everything, and right now I need to be the best mom I can be. If you are passionate and care about what you are doing, then you find and make the time. Starting my own business, EMBODY Wellness Company, has been an inspiring adventure. I’ve learned so much and am awed at the momentum we have gained in a short amount of time. It’s energizing and motivating (although I am definitely exhausted!). It’s also important to ask for help. My mom is staying with me for ten days right now because I just need her help. (Thanks, mom!)

Yes! Why not?! Be yourself, first and foremost. Be bold! Be interested in finance and the markets. Learn and absorb information like a sponge. Be confident in your abilities, your intuition and your opinions, especially when they are different from others around you.

Right now, I look forward to the early hours with my daughter Olivia! She is so happy and smiley in the mornings. She wakes up with bright blue eyes, a huge grin, coos and giggles. We talk, sing, dance and cuddle. It’s a special time that goes by so quickly.

What is next for my career? Who knows! I hope big, fabulous, exciting things! Is the sky the limit? Maybe there is something beyond!