The panel (left to right): Michela Verardo, Pavita Cooper, Masha Gordon, Inci Isikly, Vanessa Gstettenbauer, Lauren Hurwitz, Kathy Yuan
On 23rd February 2017 the LSE Department of Finance held its Second Annual Women in Finance event, organised by female faculty members.
Moderated by Kathy Yuan and Michela Verardo, a panel of five outstanding women with successful careers in finance shared stories and gave advice on career progression, maintaining a work-life balance and the importance of finding your mentor or sponsor. They were unanimous in emphasising the importance of drive and determination.
The panellists came from many different areas of finance including talent acquisition, portfolio management, start-ups, and business management. Despite being at very different stages of their career, many had faced similar challenges and were able to give well-rounded and practical advice to all attendees, regardless of their area of finance. In particular, they gave insightful advice to all our students, male and female, on how to approach the interview process. They noted that it is important to be aware of your unique and unusual skills or background, and to use them to your advantage in both interviews and the workplace.
The event was rounded off with a discussion on the importance of building strong relationships with others, followed by a networking reception with current students in the Department of Finance.
