According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 7.5 percent of women who work in finance are Black. An institutional equity trader, Nina Milligan, uses her platform to break the glass ceiling and encourage more Black women to join the field. Through social media, Milligan shares career advancement and development tips and tricks. Known as “The Princess of Finance,” she releases videos to establish financial literacy and growth within the community.
Originally interested in politics, the 26-year-old pivoted to a career in finance after an internship revealed the realities of the political world. Milligan eventually realized that every change that she wanted to make in politics could be done in finance. In her chosen career, she can help others achieve financial freedom.
“A lot of people talk about financial literacy, but they fail to realize that the first step to financial literacy is being paid a livable wage,” she tells GU. “The finance industry is an industry with very well paying jobs, and I’m here trying to help people navigate this space because I recognize that it is a very difficult space to navigate.”
Her ultimate goal is to get Black women into these spaces and equip them with the tools to navigate, thrive and be happy in finance. Milligan shared her top 10 tips for young professionals who aspire to enter the field.
Read ‘How Gen Z Girls Can Seize Control Over Their Finances’
Have Confidence In Yourself
Above all else, Milligan says anyone, especially Black women, who wants to enter the finance industry must have confidence in themselves. She urges everyone not to let anything or anyone change how they view themselves. “As a Black woman that is going into corporate America or into the finance industry, which is typically a white male-dominated space, you’re already going to have people who do not believe in your abilities or do not think that you deserve to be there,” Milligan says. “If you’re not going to come, support yourself and put your whole confidence into it, then no one else will have confidence in you.”
Don’t Try To Skip Hard Work
Hard work and preparation is essential for success in any industry. Milligan urges those going into the finance industry to stay prepared because “there is no shortcut to hard work.” “I feel like a lot of times people think that they can just skip over the hard part and get right to the easy stuff,” she tells GU. “You need to stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready. Always have a plan. Always be prepared, and always be a step ahead.”
Stay Committed To Learning
One of the most valuable qualities for anyone in the workforce is a willingness to learn. Milligan advises anyone entering financial services to become a lifelong learner, especially if they want to seek a leadership position. “You just always have to be working on your development,” she says. “My suggestion is to find inspiration from others who have done what you want to do and who have been where you want to be, and that can really help inform you on what you need to do to get where you want to go.”
Don’t Be Afraid To Make Mistakes
Mistakes are bound to happen, and you shouldn’t be afraid to make them. “If you drop a glass bowl, it’s going to shatter. If you drop a plastic ball, it might still be okay,” she says. “You obviously want to make sure that the mistakes that you’re making are not huge and can be cleaned up.”
Milligan stresses that it’s better to be seen trying to do the work. Learning from it and never making it again is the most important thing about every mistake.
Prioritize Your Mental, Physical, And Spiritual Health
Success is about balance. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be your best self in the workplace. Milligan advises young professionals to create firm boundaries and find happiness outside of work. “You need to create firm boundaries between your work and your personal [life,] and you need to remember that your job is not a reflection of who you are as an individual,” Milligan tells GU. “You deserve to still live a happy and fulfilled life outside of work.”
Utilize The Resources Around You
Milligan suggests using every resource, including college career centers, organizations, and free training opportunities. Fellow alumni, co-workers and close friends also can be impactful while navigating the industry.
Build A Supportive Community
Networking is another key factor to success. Milligan suggests building a professional community with individuals at different levels within and outside your industry and a personal community filled with supportive individuals who allow you to let your hair down.
Ask For Help From Trusted Individuals
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you don’t advocate for yourself, no one else will. Milligan advises reaching out to trusted individuals to guide you along your journey. “It really is important to know who’s in your corner and who to be vulnerable with because politics are a huge thing in the workplace,” she says. “I just caution people to be aware of your surroundings, be aware of people who are really on your team [and] really want to support you.”
Identify Your Desired Lifestyle, Then Find Your Dream Job
Young professionals often don’t understand the impact and importance of a company’s culture. When Milligan began her career, she didn’t realize the magnitude that the buzzword would have on work-life balance. She recommends identifying the qualities that align with your desired lifestyle. “You can’t change a company and their culture, so don’t try,” Milligan says. “The culture really does determine your experience, and you really want to find a place that aligns with your core values and aligns with the type of lifestyle that you want to live.”
Reach Back And Uplift Others
Milligan’s ultimate goal is to ensure she reaches back and uplifts others. She empowers others to enter the industry through the community she formed in the workplace and on social media. “As a Black woman in this industry, if I’m not uplifting and helping other Black women, then no one else will,” she says. “My goal is to help other Black women get to where I’m at [because] I don’t want to be one of the last Black women to be in this position.”
About the Author: Kayla Grant is a multimedia journalist with bylines in Shondaland, Black Love, theGrio, Business Insider and more. She writes about culture, books and entertainment news. When she’s not writing, Kayla’s traveling, reading, binging TV shows, or all of the above. Follow her on Twitter: @TheKaylaGrant.