Jessica James on her career in Banking and Finance

Graduate-women.com interviews Jessica James, Managing Director, Head of Quantitative Solutions Group at Commerzbank AG.

What's the best career advice you've ever received?

What goes around, comes around.

How did you choose what industry you wanted to work in?

I didn’t. The First National Bank of Chicago wrote to my supervisor at Oxford, asking if there was anyone who would like to work on a trading floor. It seemed like a fun thing to try.

What difference do you believe being a woman has made to your career?

No-one forgets me.

What have you had to risk/sacrifice to get to the position you have?

Sleep.

What advice would you give to aspiring graduates looking to work in your field?

Work hard, be honest and avoid buzzwords.

What have you struggled most with since starting your career, and do you have any advice on how to overcome it?

I have trouble remembering names and faces. I have to write everything down carefully and be organised.

Do you feel diversity is an issue where you work?

It is an issue which is being addressed. I have good hope for the future.

What do you enjoy most about working in this industry?

Variety, challenge, great people, the chance to do good research.

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