I started out as an Analyst Intern with DB between my junior and senior years of college. Soon after, I was fortunate enough to receive a full-time Analyst offer. At first, I was hesitant to forego all other career options. But DB was already thinking one step ahead. They provided me with the flexibility to extend my offer acceptance date. This consideration made quite an impression. In my mind, it confirmed how DB was willing to invest in my development and my well-being.

The Analyst Training Program allowed me to meet colleagues and peers from all around the world. During the month I spent in London for induction training, I met Analysts and Associates from London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, Sydney and Zurich! The courses and trainers we encountered covered a broad range of topics, which helped me understand how  global financial markets relate to one another and how to distill critical info.

As an Analyst, my first three months were spent mostly shadowing, putting the time in and learning from experienced colleagues. Soon after, I began trading in earnest--with almost every kind of security. I gained exposure to a number of different roles, from trading to portfolio management to even some business management.

Within Asset Management, I work as a portfolio manager. My team manages twelve fixed-income mutual fund portfolios, ranging from government to mortgage-backed securities to total rate-of-return funds. Given the scope of my investing universe, we all do our part to generate trades. Every day, our team will develop and sharpen key trade ideas.

My workday typically begins around 7:00 a.m. I start by reading summaries of overnight markets and recaps of international activities.  Much of our time is spent comprehensively researching the different market areas. This can involve speaking to sell-side salespeople and traders, assessing commentaries and reading reports. It’s a constant challenge to keep up with what happens across all sectors. In fact, it’s easy enough to be overwhelmed with what happens in just one sector.

It’s important to be aware of all event risks taking place globally, as these may or may not drive the market.. During this pre-trading time, many of our best ideas are generated. I’ll typically spend the remainder of the day looking for opportunities to implement these ideas. The morning is packed with trading. The afternoon is most often spent in further discussion or meetings.

In my field, continuous learning is crucial. Through DB, I regularly attend workshops and conferences and was even sponsored by my group for the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst).  I also should mention here that DB has education reimbursement program that will partially fund a part-time MBA that I am pursuing.

I grew up in an extremely creative household and continue to pursue the arts. I must say, I’m an avid photographer and a frequent patron and sponsor of the NY Philharmonic, Guggenheim and Metropolitan Opera. Deutsche Bank matches employees' gifts to charitable organizations, which is also a sign of its commitment to the artistic community.  I also enjoy outdoor sports, including snowboarding in the winter and hiking during other seasons.

I value my faith and am dedicated to serving at my church, especially helping with the children's ministry and also leading a bible study. Leveraging the financial expertise I’ve developed, I also actively participate in volunteering events with DB. These involve immersing ourselves in lower income neighborhoods and helping develop their economies. It’s great to know that your employer also believes in giving back.

One interesting thing about me and family: a few years ago, we literally built a house of my father's design. My father’s a vastly talented architect, and it was his lifelong dream to design and build his house from the ground up. My parents still live there, and it’s a fascinating experience to go home and think “I put up that wall, installed that flooring and poured that concrete.”