Chief Operating Officer – Markets and Securities Services Technology at Citigroup
Please give a brief background on yourself and your career.
When I was a little girl I played chairman of the board and monopoly with my barbie dolls, and spent hours on my Commodore 128 computer. Based on my childhood games, I suppose it is not a surprise that I ended up being a Chief Operating Officer in financial technology!
I was born in New York and worked in New York after graduation. I started off working in sales and trading in derivatives origination and then transitioned to management consulting, focusing on capital markets technology. Eight years ago I was working at IBM in the U.S. and I was placed on a job assignment in London that was only supposed to be for three months. I kept getting extended on the project and I had enough time to decide if I wanted to make a permanent move to London from New York. Eight years later I am still in London. I am passionate about technology innovation and using technology to drive positive change.
How has your career changed since you originally envisioned it at Wellesley? What other careers did you consider as a student?
When I first arrived at Wellesley I had no idea of what I wanted to do after graduation. During my first-year I went on the Wall Street trip in New York. Typically the Wall Street trip is attended by juniors and seniors seeking an internship or a full-time position after graduation, and I was the only first-year on this trip. I vividly remember being in this room surrounded by glass windows that overlooked the Merrill Lynch trading floor. The intensity, flashing data across massive screens and the energy of the people gave me such an adrenaline rush, and I realized this was the type of environment I wanted to work in. I spent the next 4 years completing the necessary coursework, engaging with alumnae working in financial services, and securing relevant financial services internships and work experience. During my junior year I obtained a summer internship working in Sales and Trading, and received an offer to come back after graduation to be a full-time analyst. I was very happy that all my effort paid off and I was able to relax during my senior year.
I never envisioned working specifically in financial technology. After graduation I started off working in fixed income derivatives structuring, but technology was such a central part of our jobs because these businesses are so dependent on technology in order to be competitive in the marketplace.
How has Wellesley contributed to your career?
Wellesley exposed me to career opportunities that I did not even know were possible. The Wall Street trip was an incredible experience in my first year that gave me direction for where I wanted to go with my career. The Center for Work and Service really helped prepare me for interviews. Irma Tryon, director of on-campus recruiting, was an advisor, sister and friend who helped to get me and other Wellesley women through a very challenging and competitive recruitment process. I also believe that Wellesley is one of the best professional networks in the world. I was able to leverage the Wellesley network to help me prepare for my interviews and internships. Post-grad Wellesley women have been a great sounding board for working through career challenges as well as a source of inspiration.
What is a typical work day or work week like for you?
There is no typical day. Overall, my job is to ensure that as a technology organization we are aligned to strategy, on target for key metrics, and providing transparency and governance for our major programs and technology focus areas. Much of my day is spent in meetings with technology senior management and key stakeholders. In addition, as a team leader I spend time with my team to ensure that they have the right direction to execute their jobs successfully.
During the week I spend time on a nonprofit organization I founded and chair, Gateway Women in Technology. I think it is important to give back and support women working in the tech industry and those that are considering entering the tech industry.
My Wellesley experience has motivated me to be a champion for women in the workplace. At work I am very focused on diversity efforts and am passionate about driving efforts devoted to attracting and retaining women in technology. I also make sure that I take time out to exercise and focus on family and friends throughout the week.
What piece of advice would you offer students looking to get into your area of interest and expertise?
I have two pieces of advice: (1) Speak to Wellesley alumnae that work in the area and try to understand the challenges in their roles and industry trends and issues. The ability to intelligently articulate industry trends and issues demonstrates a commitment to success in the area. (2) Obtain relevant work experience. Even if you ask alumnae to shadow them for the day the experience will be invaluable for when you apply for full-time positions.
What do you wish you had known as a student?
The connections you make during your college years can last a lifetime. I wish I had left campus more and made more friends with people at different universities. Boston is such a college town and I should have taken advantage of that environment.
If you could come back and take one class at Wellesley what would it be?
Comparative Literature–when will I ever get the chance to take Comparative Literature again?