Her Story
About Zainab
I recently graduated from Le Moyne College with a Bachelor's of Science in Finance and Business Analytics, completing a dual major. During my time there, I worked for almost a year as an intern with the Le Moyne College Green and Gold Fund, a portfolio controlled by the college. I started as a student portfolio analyst, where I spent 3 to 4 months training and learning to manage portfolios. After proving myself, I was promoted to team leader senior analyst for my final semester, a role I held for 4 to 5 months. In this leadership position, I managed a team where we conducted deep financial analysis on companies, creating cash flow models and examining intrinsic value to determine investment worthiness. We combined numerical analysis with extensive research into the companies, their industries, and geopolitical factors before making recommendations to the board of investors. One of my biggest achievements was when the board chose my team's recommendation of Broadcom over two competing groups, and the company subsequently increased in value, proving itself to be a great investment. Throughout college, I was actively involved in numerous organizations including the Investment Club, Business Club, First Gen Club, and Chess Club. I served as Chair of Finance for the C-STEP (College Science and Technology Entry Program) and was an e-board member for the MSA Club. I'm also a member of the Alpha Delta Honors Society. I worked a part-time customer service job for most of college, but focused exclusively on my internship role during my final six months to give it my full attention.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Zainab
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would definitely say my parents first, and then I would like to say myself, because I showed the discipline and dedication no matter how hard it was. Faith has also been incredibly important to me. I always have faith, and that's helped me push through challenges and stay focused on my goals. The combination of my family's support, my own commitment to working hard, and my faith have been the foundation of everything I've achieved so far.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
About six to seven months ago, I was always very close-minded about opportunities. I would reject most of them, saying this isn't something I'm interested in or I don't want to do this. One of my professors told me that I should be open, because you never know what something you really like or don't like until you try it. He explained that the thing I'm looking for might be something I don't find interesting once I'm actually in it, so I should be open to any opportunities or offers I receive rather than turning them away. After listening to that advice, I actually did start looking around and being more open, and I feel like it has been much better. Even mentally, it's much better to think of it that way. I think being open is great advice, and it's really changed my perspective on exploring different paths.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say don't be close-minded, because when I was in that state, it was very miserable for me. I was trying to target one thing and not getting it, and I was just sad about it, wondering why this wasn't happening. I wasn't trying to see the bigger picture. So always see the bigger picture, especially in this world when entry-level positions are being taken by AI. If you're interested in the career, step into it and get certified in different ways, because I feel like AI could never replace the human touch in anything. Never lose hope and never change your direction just because you're feeling like it's not going to work for you. Try to achieve more things, do extra, get that extra certificate. But don't change your path if you feel like it's the right path and you're just getting scared. Don't be scared, and definitely be open to all the opportunities you can get. You never know what's going to work out for you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I feel like the biggest challenge I'm facing currently is definitely with AI. Most of these jobs that used to be opened up to entry-level positions for freshly graduated people like myself have been taken by all these new inventions. Not that I'm against it, but it's just a little bit of a challenge, so trying to adapt to that is one of the biggest challenges I'm working through. I'm currently mass applying to all the opportunities that I can get, and I'm staying open to everything. Whatever comes next, I'm open to it and ready to adapt to this changing landscape.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Some of the values that are most important to me include being respectful, definitely. Being straightforward is one of the biggest ones, because usually in this world nowadays we rarely see that. Being professional in professional environments, friendly when needed but not necessarily over-friendly, and compassionate. I'm very compassionate. I love growth and I like to grow and seek knowledge as I grow as well. I'm open to opportunities. Faith is a big value for me. Being thankful to my family is important. Purpose is another key value - I want to follow a purpose and find my purpose in life. I feel like I'm still open and I never truly figured out what my purpose is, so I'm focused on finding that main purpose that makes me happy within the field of finance so I can help people and give back to the community. I also value working hard as much as I can, having a clear mindset, and staying focused.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · New York
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.