What I Would Tell My Younger Self About Being a Woman in Finance

In 2026, it will be 10 years since I joined the industry and 10 years since I graduated from university. In these 10 years of working experience, I’ve learned many things about finance and the workforce in general—it is ever-evolving, with technology rapidly changing. Jobs are being outsourced, machines are replacing people, and many functions are becoming automated.

When I first started in the industry, I thought I would stick to one job and one job only. No need to change or hop from one company to another. However, the reality was different. And today, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned from being in the financial sector for 10 years and what I wish I could tell my younger self today.

1. No job is ever truly secure.

In 2017, I had to learn the hard way that my role was no longer available—it was being outsourced abroad. It became my responsibility to find another job and go through the interview process all over again. I was lucky to have connections and the necessary skills to land another opportunity, but it was a wake-up call. Indeed, every industry has uncertainties, and it’s up to us to stay prepared with protection, a plan B, and a mindset of resilience and adaptation. 

2. Always upgrade your skills and knowledge.

There is no end to the level of learning we can give to ourselves. The workforce is ever developing with technological advancements and artificial intelligence. I learned to adopt the mindset of a lifelong learner and to implement studying in my daily routine through completing finance certifications, reading books, listening to market-related podcasts, and taking courses. Jobs change, and along with that, so do the skills required. Some skills will be obsolete while others will emerge as critical to staying competitive and relevant in the industry. No matter what you learn or explore—whether out of curiosity or apprehension—it will prove useful in the future, often in ways you can’t predict

3. You have a seat at the table.

Finance is a very male-dominated industry where you will find yourself sitting at a table full of stakeholders, mostly men, and you’ll wonder, do I belong here? So many times, I found myself in meetings with eight men and just two women at the table. I’d look around and quietly ask myself, Where are the rest of us? Sometimes, I even questioned if I should be there at all, as if that seat wasn’t meant for me. But over time, I’ve learned that not only do I belong at that table, but that I’ve earned my place there. And by showing up, I’m making space for others, too. In those times, I reminded myself of the reason I started in this industry, and the reason I belong in the industry.

4. Use LinkedIn to its fullest potential—and be friends with headhunters.

No one will typically tell you that LinkedIn is to build an online presence and showcase your work, but rather a tool to look for a job only. No one will tell you that it is your job to add people you work with as soon as you get into a company, and add everyone before you eventually leave the organization. When I went to university, I thought that LinkedIn was simply replacing resumes and had no other purpose. But today we know that LinkedIn has become a powerful platform to demonstrate our skills and talent, to show that we are not just a job title, and that it is a place to connect with headhunters. Indeed, I used to think headhunters were extremely annoying, reaching out to simply sell you a job, but I learned that if you get to know them and tell them what you are looking for, they will find your perfect match. Indeed, LinkedIn is a great tool to grow your network, spark collaborations and conversations, and find job opportunities through showcasing your talent to headhunters and potential employers.

5. The job market is a two-way street.

Last, but not least, I used to think that looking for a job is simply about sending resumes, doing interviews, and saying yes to a role because we desperately needed to pay our bills. However, after being in the industry for 10 years, I was wrong about it! We shouldn't accept a job because we need to meet end goals, but say yes only if it meets our purpose, and if it is what we are looking for. 

A company needs you as much as you need them. You should never say yes to a job only because it pays well and has great benefits, but should also analyze the company from a holistic point of view such as its culture, values, tasks, and management. And ask yourself questions such as “Will this job bring fulfillment? Will this job bring me closer to my long-term goals? Will this job bring me personal and professional growth? After being in a role for 10 years, you realize that salary can never be the sole decision factor, but an added element to make the ultimate decision  

Looking back, I realize that every setback, every lesson, and every moment of self-doubt shaped the woman I am today—resilient, resourceful, and proud to be in this industry. To any young woman just starting in finance: know that you belong here. This path won’t always be smooth, but it will teach you more than any textbook ever could. 

Keep learning, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of your voice. You are where you are meant to be.