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HOW TO: ​Intern to Powerful Career Woman, Advice from Cabana’s Female Leaders

6 years ago

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I can proudly state that as a young (and female) professional, very early on in my career, it seems more and more women are breaking stereotypes professionally and climbing ladders to success in all fields of work. I spent my summer surrounded by some of these women, and asked them to provide some insight as to how they have found their place in the financial industry as well as general career advice for young women just starting out. I hope that these words of wisdom can provide some sense of hope and/or direction to you in the same way they have me. Enjoy!

What is the greatest career advice you have ever received?

“Always stay one step ahead. If your boss or client asks for it, you’re too late. Give answers to questions before they are asked. Being prepared and understanding the needs, goals and main points of your team is so valuable and will get you far!” -Georgia Mason (Director of Marketing and Communications)

What do you wish you knew when entering the workforce?

“I was always shy growing up. I began to speak up for myself after I had been in the workforce for 10 years or so – after my fellow ladies and I would compare notes. There are times when you need to bring issues to management, and there are diplomatic ways to do that. I’d also like to tell my younger self to be patient. You don’t know where your career will take you. You will meet people along the way who will influence your career later, or will be integral in providing a new job opportunity in the future.” -Michelle Alsobrook (Vice President, Operations)

What are you most proud of looking back on your career thus far?

“I take very good care of my clients. It’s not just about money, but about the relationships that you build without any expectation for them to give back. Yet they always do.” -Holly Signorelli (CPA)

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

“There will always be an investment firm to work for, but focus on finding the firm that is making the right choices based on the client and not the dollar. This has been the biggest challenge, until Cabana. I was pushed to make changes in my career when I wasn’t prepared.  Looking back, I know if it weren’t for those changes, I wouldn’t be at a job I love.” Heather West (Vice President, Operations)

“Really, the only challenge is time. It is so important to balance our time at work and at home. I am still working on this, 30 years later.” -Sonya Clements (Administrative Assistant and Paralegal)

How does it feel to be a young woman entering the workforce?

“I feel very privileged to have grown up in a time and a household where women’s equality and lacking opportunities were a part of conversation. I feel excited to pursue my dream career knowing that there are more people rooting for me to succeed than ever before. I am encouraged by the growing presence of women in all areas of work. Let this movement continue!” – Caroline Mason (Marketing Intern)

What do you see for the future for working women?

“I believe our future is bright – I see it every single day! I am lucky to have started my career when I did. While women remain underrepresented in every level of corporate America and there are many challenges that we still face in the workplace, more companies are committing to gender equality and more women are focusing on success and rising to the top. I attribute so much of my professional and personal growth to strong, hard-working women. We have to keep charging ahead and building each other up – if women (and men) can commit to that, we will all achieve and succeed.” -Georgia Mason (Director of Marketing and Communications)

“Women need to continue to be proactive in breaking barriers once reserved for men only, making a name for themselves by proving it’s not gender but rather perseverance, hard work and talent that proves the quality of the person.” Esther Burrell (Administrative Assistant)

Thank you to our wonderful staff of women here at Cabana for their words of wisdom and for being a source of inspiration every day. Let the future be powerful and female!

 

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Disclaimers

January 17, 2024

This material is prepared by Cabana LLC, dba Cabana Asset Management and/or its affiliates (together “Cabana”) for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. This material may only be distributed in its original format and may not be altered or reproduced without the prior written consent of Cabana. The opinions expressed reflect the judgement of the author, are as of the date of its publication and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions contained in this material are derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources deemed by Cabana to be reliable, are not necessarily all-inclusive and are not guaranteed as to accuracy. As such, no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given and no responsibility arising in any other way for errors and omissions (including responsibility to any person by reason of negligence) is accepted by Cabana, its officers, employees or agents.  

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Commonly used index/benchmark definitions:  

All indices and categories are unmanaged and an individual cannot invest directly in an index or category. Index returns do not include fees or expenses. Benchmark indices will likely materially differ from Cabana’s portfolio strategies. Detailed information as to how the returns are calculated can be obtained online from the following link: https://thecabanagroup.com/disclaimers/performance-reporting-methodology/. 

Morningstar’s Moderate Target Risk index  follows a moderate equity risk preference and is based on well-established asset allocation methodology from Ibbotson Associates, a Morningstar company.  

Morningstar’s Tactical Allocation category includes portfolios that seek to provide capital appreciation and income by actively shifting allocations across investments. These portfolios have material shifts across equity regions, and bond sectors on a frequent basis. 

The S&P 500 Index is a market-capitalization weighted stock market index of 500 widely held large-cap stocks often used as a proxy for the U.S. stock market.  

The Russell 2000 and 3000 indices are market-capitalization weighted stock market indices that include, respectively, 2000 and 3000 of the most widely-held stocks and are often used as proxies for the U.S. stock market. 

The Nasdaq Composite Index is a market-weight capitalization index that covers more than 3,000 stocks listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. What is the Nasdaq Composite, and What Companies are in It? | Nasdaq