The Vanderbilt University MSF has another great article discussing their efforts in increasing representation among women in the still male dominated financial industry. The university has some quotes and perspectives from two recent MSF graduates (as well as two MBA graduates) about their time at Vanderbilt, the program and success post graduation. A very interesting read.
I will include a full link to the article, but below are a few excerpts that I thought would be interesting.
Mariam Malidze: From Law to Finance—Navigating a Career at the World Bank
“Both law and finance are male-dominated fields, and as a woman, I often felt the need to assert my expertise more deliberately,” Malidze says. “I have been in rooms where my comments were overlooked until repeated by a male colleague. It’s frustrating, but it also reinforces the importance of persistence and making your voice heard.”
“It was eye-opening to attend the Women in Business Association (WBA) conference and hear these established women discuss their journeys and the unique barriers they faced in the finance industry,” Malidze said. “Women in any profession will inevitably encounter biases and moments of unfairness, but not every challenge can or needs to be fought head-on. It is important to choose your battles wisely and stay focused on your goals.”
Crystal Zheng: Overcoming Finance Industry Challenges as an Investment Banking Analyst at Leerink Partners
“The best investment you can make is in yourself – be proactive, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary,” Zheng said. “Sometimes you feel like you have to prove yourself twice as much just to be seen as equally competent. It can be exhausting, but persistence is key, especially in an industry that’s still heavily male-dominated.”
“One of my mentors told me early on, ‘Seek out people who will speak your name in rooms you’re not in.’ That advice has been invaluable because your success is often tied to who advocates for you,” Zheng said. “I had to learn that building relationships isn’t just about networking – it’s about finding people who truly believe in your potential and are willing to support you.”
—
You can read the entire article here.
The university has been doing a great job at educating, placing and elevating the need for diversity within the financial industry. Nice to see another article on this topic and highlighting women who have faced adversity and overcome. Being able to see representation and hear other voices helps women and others who are thinking about Vanderbilt and/or the financial industry imagine themselves doing these things.
Here is a link to the Vanderbilt University MSF Program
