The world of financial services is often seen through the lens of numbers, equations, and balance sheets. However, there’s a world beyond these figures filled with diverse career opportunities that have nothing to do with numbers. The Financial Alliance for Racial Equality’s (FARE) recent March webinar, “Beyond Numbers,” offered attendees an inside look at the different career options within the financial services industry.

The moderator, Suzanne Siracuse, CEO of Suzanne Siracuse Consulting, set the stage by emphasizing the diversity of careers that exist within the industry. Then, representatives from FARE Member Firms discussed their career paths in the financial services industry.

These seasoned professionals pulled back the curtain to provide valuable insights and share tips for finding the career, job, and employer that best suits you and your strengths.

Malaika Paye, National Recruit Lead at RBC Wealth Management, emphasized the significance of mentorship and sponsorship in career advancement. She stressed the importance of connecting with potential employers before, during, and after the interview. She says building relationships with mentors who can help make these connections is critical.

Nicole Ridley, FARE’s Head of Operations, underscored the necessity of cultivating a diverse network of mentors who will don your proverbial team’s t-shirt. “You don’t want your mentorship or what I call your board of directors to all look like you. You need to have allies on your board of directors. You need to have people wearing your t-shirt that do not look like you, who are championing you,” Ridley explains.

Finding the right culture fit is critical, Ridley says. After 14 years at Nationwide, Ridleys says the company has done a fantastic job building a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. “It’s about building a culture where people want to see you win,” she explains.

Michael Kiplagat, Manager of Global Technology Operations at Federated Hermes, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of building a network of mentors with diverse perspectives. To do this, effective communication is critical, he says. Developing skills like networking and communication are paramount for your success regardless of your job.

Watch the “Beyond Numbers” webinar to gain more insights and advice from the panelists, including cultivating a people-first attitude. Remember, it’s not just about the numbers.

“No matter what line of business we’re in, we’re in the business of people,” Kiplahat says. “Work with people who care about what you do and what you succeed in.”

Our sincere thanks go to our FARE member firms and industry partners who participated in the event.

Featured Panelists:

• Michael Kiplagat, Manager – Global Technology Operations at Federated Hermes
• Malaika Paye, National Recruit Lead at RBC Wealth Management
• Nicole Ridley, Head of Operations at FARE

Moderator:

• Suzanne Siracuse, CEO of Suzanne Siracuse Consulting