In-Depth Notes from Mentoring Session on Finance and Technology Careers

Introduction

  • Purpose of Session: Mentoring session for high school and college students to interact with professionals in the finance and technology fields.
  • Panel Members:
    • Mr. Ram - Chief Information Officer at BNY Mellon, a global bank with over $43 trillion in assets under custody, significant revenue, and employee count.
    • Mr. Sampat - Chief Information Officer at Eversight Health, experienced in healthcare management.
    • Shayan - Financial Risk Analyst at TD Bank.
    • Jaymari Panapanapati - Registered Investment Adviser.
    • Several students in business and finance majors.

Topics Covered

  • Opportunity for Student Questions: Students encouraged to ask questions to gain insights from panel members with combined extensive industry experience.
  • Internships and Job Search in Finance/Technology: Guidance on securing internships, job opportunities and exploring the college selection process.

Future Trends in Technology

  • Growth areas in technology impacting finance include:
    • AI and ML (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning): Massive investments by companies to adopt technology for business value.
    • Self-Driving and Electric Vehicles: Transitioning industries with new job openings in the near future.
    • Cloud Computing: Crucial migration of businesses towards cloud technology (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud).
    • Fintech Sector: Rise of digital payments and banking solutions.
    • Medical Technology: Advancements like gene editing and robotic surgery.
    • Quantum Computing & Blockchain: Emerging technologies with vast future potential.

Importance of Skills for Women

  • Women's representation in finance and technology is on the rise, with many companies actively seeking to diversify their workforce. High school students, especially girls, have ample opportunities in these expanding fields.

Professional Journey Insights

  • Starting with personal anecdotes from panelists:
    • Ram's Path: From an engineering background to technology applications in finance, focusing on problem-solving with technology in the finance sector. Emphasizes the importance of business knowledge along with technology skills.
    • Sampat's Journey: Transitioning from engineering to technology leadership in healthcare, highlighting the importance of versatility and continuous learning in one’s career path.

College and Major Selections

  • Selecting Courses: Majors should align with personal interests alongside acquiring breadth in various industries. For finance-focused careers, subjects such as statistics, portfolio management, and accounting are suggested.
  • Electives vs. Core Classes: It is advised to take core classes first to build foundational knowledge, before moving onto electives.

Internship Opportunities and Practical Experience

  • Internships can be beneficial, but practical experience and skills development in high school are crucial. Networking through personal connections and professional platforms (e.g., LinkedIn) is essential for landing internships.

College Selection Process

  • Consideration of college program quality, professors, alumni network, and scholarships is essential. The cost of attendance is a significant factor, with a variety of financial aid options available (FAFSA, scholarships, etc.). High school students are encouraged to research and prepare early for college decisions.

Learning from Professionals

  • Continuous learning from professionals helps in discovering passions and strengths. Engaging in networks, attending events, and exploring various fields aids in understanding industry dynamics.

Resources for Students

  • Books & Articles: Recommended material for understanding finance and technology, including investment strategies, finance fundamentals, etc.
  • Online Courses: Explore platforms for learning relevant skills and technologies.

Final Advice

  • Focus on personal interests, develop communication skills, and gain diverse experiences. Networking, persistence in pursuing internships, and being open-minded towards new opportunities are key takeaways from the mentoring session.