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Maureen, Institutional Operations Specialist at International Financial Institution: Advize Career Interview

A career path starting from law and social innovation in NGOs to the public sector culminates in a role as an Institutional Operations Specialist at an International Financial Institution.

The role involves reviewing legal frameworks, redesigning public policies, and partnering with internal and external departments.

A typical day is spent staying abreast of current events, balancing meetings and emails, improving work, and pursuing further education. Empathy, creativity, and thinking outside the box are critical skills.

This specialist finds satisfaction in making tangible societal changes, though determining appropriate cash transfer amounts in emergencies presents a significant challenge.

The international finance industry offers diverse opportunities for growth and exposure to various sectors. Thriving in this field requires creativity, boldness to challenge the status quo, and a drive to improve processes.

It's important to stay true to values and be confident in ideas, even amidst disagreement. Entry-level candidates should consider research or analyst roles to gain valuable knowledge.

Honesty with leadership and the willingness to offer constructive feedback are crucial for professional growth.

A background in law can provide a solid foundation in rules and social justice, while a master's in social innovation can enhance consulting skills.

Balancing work and personal life is a challenge, requiring setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Maureen Tejeda

Institutional Operations Specialist

International Financial Institution

Universidad Católica Santo Domingo

MA in Social Innovation, University of San Diego

Legal & Policy

Government

Operations and Project Management

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Career Path of an Institutional Operations Specialist at an International Financial Institution

Maureen's career path began with a law background, which initially led to work with an NGO, providing "a different perspective in terms of social innovation," aligning with a current master's degree. This evolved into experience in the public sector, ultimately enabling them to take on the current role as a specialist in operational alliance.

Main Responsibilities of an Institutional Operations Specialist at an International Financial Institution

Maureen's main responsibilities as an Institutional Operations Specialist involve reviewing the institution's "legal framework" to identify opportunities to redesign existing public policies or create new ones. This role also entails being "a partner" for internal departments and external institutions to facilitate the implementation of these initiatives.

A Day In The Life Of An Institutional Operations Specialist At An International Financial Institution

For Maureen, an Institutional Operations Specialist at an International Financial Institution, a day in the life involves staying "aware of all the situations that are happening," especially regarding social issues, and then balancing meetings and emails with identifying opportunities to improve work, while also pursuing a Masters of Social Innovation and spending time with family. Checking the news first thing is crucial to stay updated on relevant developments.

Most Important Skills For An Institutional Operations Specialist At An International Financial Institution

Maureen, an Institutional Operations Specialist, believes that "empathy" is crucial, but also emphasizes the importance of "creativity" and a mindset that transcends conventional limitations. This ability to reimagine possibilities, to see no box "or not having a box at all," empowers one to achieve their goals without being constrained by perceived limits.

Favorite Parts of Being an Institutional Operations Specialist at International Financial Institution

Maureen, an Institutional Operations Specialist, most enjoys the opportunity "to make actual changes in our society" through their work at the International Financial Institution, finding deep satisfaction in "seeing the results of the impact that what [they are] doing is making on people and their families."

Biggest Challenges Faced By An Institutional Operations Specialist At An International Financial Institution

As an Institutional Operations Specialist, Maureen finds the biggest challenge in setting appropriate cash transfer amounts when designing public policy, particularly in emergency situations; Specifically, determining "what is the correct amount" to provide families who have experienced a death due to a disaster is a significant hurdle in the role.

Favorite Parts Of Working In The Financial Industry As An Institutional Operations Specialist

Maureen enjoys the "opportunity to dive in into so many waters" within the international finance industry, highlighting the flexibility to move between private, public, NGO, and multilateral organizations and gain diverse perspectives from each sector. This flexibility is viewed as "very important" for career growth and the ability to find the right fit, whether seeking stability in the private sector or a different outlook in the public sector.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Financial Services According To An Institutional Operations Specialist At A Global Finance Firm

Maureen believes that individuals who flourish in the institutional operations side of international finance are "creative" and possess the boldness to challenge the status quo, even if it means completely overhauling existing systems; their focus is on doing what's necessary to uphold the industry's original purpose, suggesting a results driven orientation to process improvement. In essence, successful professionals are those who don't "take things for granted" and are driven to offer "a new perspective of how things should be done."

What an Operations Specialist at a Global Financial Firm Wishes They Had Known Before Entering Finance

Maureen wishes someone had told them that not everyone will like them or agree with their ideas, and that's okay. It's important to remain "confident of what you're doing and attached to your values" amidst potential negativity and competition, ensuring someone doesn't compromise their principles due to external pressures.

Entry-level positions for aspiring Institutional Operations Specialists

Maureen suggests that entry-level candidates in institutional operations at international financial institutions should consider research roles to "understand... the situations that are happening in the world," along with analyst positions that provide opportunities to learn about operations and the industry, offering valuable knowledge for future advancement. According to Maureen, learning from team leaders in these roles can prepare someone for positions like the one Maureen currently holds.

Significant Career Lesson From an Institutional Operations Specialist at an International Financial Institution

Maureen, an Institutional Operations Specialist, learned that professional growth comes from being honest with leadership, even when disagreeing with them; as she states, "you don't have to be a yes person," because good leaders value constructive feedback and diverse perspectives. By challenging assumptions and offering alternative viewpoints, career professionals create more robust outcomes and demonstrate true leadership potential.

College Experiences That Helped an Institutional Operations Specialist at International Financial Institution Succeed

Maureen credits a bachelor's in law for developing a comprehensive understanding of rules and fostering a commitment to social justice, while a current master's in social innovation is shaping their ability to consult effectively and recognize the multifaceted nature of career paths, emphasizing the importance of being open to exploring diverse topics like health and education, because "you'll always get any learnings and, and knowledge from it."

How Identity Has Influenced an Institutional Operations Specialist's Career at an International Financial Institution

As a woman in consulting who also juggles significant household responsibilities, the "famous balance" has been a challenge for Maureen. They emphasize the importance of setting boundaries and dedicating "quality time" to oneself, merging personal and professional roles to be "the correct leader and consultant" without sacrificing individual well-being, and remembering "to put yourself first".

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