Thank you to FARE’s Firm Member NFP, an Aon Company for hosting a webinar for students and young professionals. The webinar provided valuable insights into exploring the various pathways that exist in financial services and navigating professional development opportunities to grow in the industry.
NFP, An Aon Company panelists included:
Elzia Sekou (Moderator) – Lead Application Engineer
Ella Prevost – Senior Security Compliance Analyst
Sherrie Wooten – Vice President, IT Integrations
Roderick Thomas – Senior Content Producer
Key Takeaways:
- Unconventional Pathways: Many professionals enter financial services through unexpected routes, proving that there’s space for diverse skill sets, including project management and cutting-edge technology expertise.
- Industry Awareness: Understanding the broad scope of financial products and services helps professionals establish a strong foundation for growth.
- Career Navigation: Knowing your end goal is crucial—any path can lead to success with clear direction. However, many underrepresented groups remain unaware of the vast opportunities available.
- Skill Development:
- Soft Skills Matter: Presentation, communication, and relationship-building skills are critical but often overlooked. Practicing public speaking and seeking feedback can sharpen these skills. Recording yourself and seeking feedback can improve public speaking.
- Professional Savviness: Social, political, and business acumen are just as important as intellectual ability.
- Career Advancement Strategy (P.I.E Model): Sherrie Wooten emphasized the importance of:
- Performance – Delivering strong results
- Image – How you present yourself professionally
- Exposure – Getting noticed by decision-makers
- The Role of AI: While artificial intelligence is transforming the industry, professionals must maintain their ability to think critically and communicate effectively.
- Addressing Barriers & Bias: The industry must work toward equitable hiring practices and creating accessible pathways for all. Face-to-face networking and mentorship can help individuals break into the field.
Final Advice:
- Find both mentors (who guide you) and sponsors (who advocate for you).
- Take advantage of networking and business resource groups to build connections.
- Don’t wait for perfection—just start!
This engaging discussion reinforced the importance of persistence, adaptability, and leveraging opportunities to carve out a successful career in financial services.