Her Story
About Natalia
I'm a sophomore at the University of Miami, originally from Venezuela, and I've been living in the U.S. for about 3 to 5 years. Growing up in different places taught me that only I have control of my future, and if I don't work for it, I won't be given anything. That's why I'm always on the move and taking advantage of opportunities. I initially was very interested in marketing and did some internship experiences, but they led me to realize that I really enjoy working with the numbers. What drew me to finance is that I really like working with people but also doing that behind-the-scenes work. I've been working for a year or two, previously at a financial wealth management firm as a financial advisor, where I did marketing work, research, and analyzed stocks and equities to optimize client portfolios. I'm currently studying for my Series 65 license to become a licensed professional. Right now, I work at the Office of Financial Affairs at the university doing analytics, Excel, reporting, and budgeting. I'm part of a program called Girls Who Invest, which has given me a head start in the financial investment management industry and helped me connect with scholars from all over the U.S. In the future, I want to go into investment banking or asset management because I really enjoy analyzing stocks and equities based on clients, and in investment banking, the M&A structure of buying and selling companies. I'll be joining NBCUniversal in LA as a finance intern this summer, which is a personal milestone I'm really excited about. My typical day involves taking classes from 8 until 12, then working on reporting, budgeting, and documenting changes, and attending club fairs and events at the university. Being curious and moving to other countries gave me the opportunity to explore this industry, and it's really become a part of me.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Natalia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to never taking no for an answer. I always see a 'no' as a redirection into something else that's better in place, or just an incentive for you to work harder for it. Moving to different places and always being new in the classroom or at the university has taught me that only I have control of my future, and if I don't work for it, then I won't be given anything. You have to work for your dreams because all of your goals and ambition is what's going to get you that job, or that position, or just any accomplishment and milestone in general. Nothing is handed to you on a silver platter.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say never take no for an answer. A 'no' is really just a redirection into something else that's better, or an incentive for you to work harder for it. Moving to different places has taught me that only I have control of my future, and if I don't work for it, I won't be given anything. You have to work for your dreams - nothing is just handed to you on a silver platter. All of your goals and ambition is what's going to get you that job, that position, or any accomplishment and milestone in general. So you have to keep pushing forward.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are kindness and integrity. I'm always that person in the room who's smiling and being very nice and kind with other people, because I know how kindness can definitely bring you a long way and change how people see you and think about you. Especially in the professional setting, if you're rude or stuck up and don't talk to people, it doesn't work well. But being seen as a nice and caring person takes you a long way. I also believe in being honest about your worth, not cheating, and being good with your morals and values. Having integrity in everything you do takes you far places. Being honest with integrity in your work and yourself, and being kind to others, is a part of who you are. It makes a difference in your personal life and in the professional world in terms of how people see you and whether they want to work with you or not, because that's a big thing.
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