How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Equity Portfolio Manager's Career at Allspring Global Investments
To prepare for a career in finance, Alison proactively joined relevant organizations like the Asian Business Association and pursued a diverse academic background, including a political economy major with accounting and financial analysis courses, describing this as "having a wide range of academic exposure." Experiences like studying in Japan also broadened their perspective and facilitated networking through "informal interviews with people" in desired fields.
Networking, International Experience, Financial Analysis, Proactive Career Exploration, Academic Diversity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Alison Shimada
Senior Equity Portfolio Manager
Allspring Global Investments
UC Berkeley
Harvard Business School, MBA
Political Science, American Studies
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Finance
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Actively participated in relevant student organizations (e.g., Asian Business Association) to network and learn about different business areas.
2. Pursued a diverse academic background, including political economy, accounting, and financial analysis, to broaden knowledge and skills.
3. Took initiative to study abroad and conduct informal interviews with professionals in fields of interest to gain global perspective and career insights.
Transcript
What did you do in your undergrad to set you up for success in your career?
I really tried to be proactive about joining organizations I thought were relevant. I joined the Asian Business Association to learn a little bit more about marketing and about people who are interested in different areas of business.
I originally signed up to be a business administration major. However, I decided to study in Japan in my junior year at university, and they wouldn't hold that space. So I became a political economy major instead.
That was a great thing too, because I learned a lot about political systems and business economics. I took accounting courses and financial analysis courses. Having a wide range of academic exposure is very helpful.
Going overseas was also helpful to see, at that stage in my life, how other people live. I found that interesting and it's something I want to look into further in the future. It was also helpful to meet as many people as I could and do as many informal interviews as I could with people who were doing something that I was interested in.
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