March 8 is International Women’s Day! As a company in the finance industry, we know that gender inequality in the workforce can be a serious problem (though not one we face in our office!), and we’ve made a conscious effort to hire, promote, and empower strong and capable women within our firm.
Leading up to IWD, we talked to some of the women in our office about what it means to them to be a woman in the financial services industry and what advice they have for other women.
What is one piece of advice you have for young women starting their career?
“Get a foot in the door and then don’t be afraid to change jobs or employers when the fit isn’t right. You won’t be successful if you’re unhappy with your environment.’
Jaclyn Dunn
“Find a female mentor who is in a career or a position you aspire to be in.”
Lena Nebel
“Educate yourself and start saving early. There is nothing more empowering than being financially independent.”
Claudia Glover
“Pursue all the education you can before starting a family. Although it can be done while having children at home, it is much easier when you don’t have daytime and night time obligations. Plus, your brain works better!”
Coral Bruce
“Always be open to new opportunities!”
Beth Nori
“Don’t be afraid to fail. You will mess up, you will lose a job, you will realize you’re not on the path you want to be on. Just keep learning and growing along the way and you’ll find your place.”
Sara Lohse
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned as a woman in finance?
“The relationships you build are just as important, if not more important, than the advice you give.”
Jaclyn Dunn
“We need more women in finance! Women provide a unique perspective to so many different aspects of financial planning.”
Claudia Glover
“When people think about finance, they often just think about investments but when you learn about financial planning you see how everything in someone’s world can affect them financially (good and bad).”
Beth Nori
“Speak your mind and know your worth. Things become easier when you realize you’re an asset to a company, not a liability.”
Sara Lohse
“As a mother, working in personal finance has taken on a greater meaning. I’m able to pass on the knowledge and lessons I am gaining to my children and lead them towards a successful future.”
Jen Palumbo
Why should more women seek careers in this industry?
“There is a stigma that this is a man’s profession, but relationships matter as much as advice, and, generally speaking, women are better at building strong relationships.”
Jaclyn Dunn
“Being educated in finance brings such a gratifying feeling to be a part of the household decisions and establishing family goals. Historically this has been a male gender role. My mother became a financial advisor after my parents divorced. During a life event that most feel defeated, she saw an opportunity to educate herself and in turn was able to be an example to me and my sisters in our future financial independence and planning.”
Coral Bruce
“Everyday is a new challenge. Whether it be updates to tax laws, rising inflation or a drop in the stock market, each day is something different and challenges you in a different way. The work is not monotonous and because of this makes each day interesting and exciting!”
Beth Nori
“Money is such a unique concept because it can be a point of pride for some and a point of pain for others. Being able to meet people where they are and lead them in the right direction can directly affect the trajectory of their life, which is a very rewarding feeling.”
Sara Lohse
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your career?
“Earning the respect of those that I respect.”
Jaclyn Dunn
“Becoming an owner and mentor for other women in the industry.”
Lena Nebel
“Always keeping a growth mindset and continuing to learn new things.”
Claudia Glover
“Obtaining my CFP. I thought I was done with school after college and never wanted to study again, but then I came to BFG and it made me want to further my career!”
Beth Nori
“Discovering a passion for personal finance and chasing it, unapologetically!”
Sara Lohse
Listen to Lena Nebel talk about her story:
