8 Weirdly Specific Things Youll Only Understand if Youre a Woman in Finance

8 Weirdly Specific Things Youll Only Understand if Youre a Woman in Finance Finance is an industry unlike any other, and those of us who have been in it for a while understand things that onlookers just wont get. From the code words we use to the funny culture we follow, here are eight things, in no particular order, that youll only understand if youre a woman in finance.1. Financiers speak a whole other language.The frameworks, acronyms, and methodologies vary by company, and it takes a while to learn them all. Every time you make a move, its back to square one. But on the bright side, were all smart, so we can deal.2. What its like to be the only woman in a room trying to call money shots.One word tough. But over time, you get comfortable with it and own your impact. You know your voice is valuable not only because youre a woman, but because its you.3. The only person who has a plan for you is you.Over the years, youve learned that you cant walk into your job thinking the company h as an established career path for you. Yes, they sold you that this industry is cut and dry. But now you know you have to speak with your anfhrer candidly about your aspirations.4. Even though money runs the world, finance is slow.I shifted from tech to finance, which was one extreme to another. I found finance to be slow paced for me. What once took me a few weeks to get done, suddenly took months. Financial decisions dont move as fast as most people think they do. We cant help that you impulse buy Starbucks5. While all finance is risky, rules are still your best friend.There are lots of them. If youre not a rule follower, finance may not be a place for you. The regulations are specific to prevent serious infractions. And theyve saved us all a few times.6. Mentorship is just part of the job.Because there are less of us, it means that we need to encourage others to join us to shift the male to female ratio in finance. You will be asked to play a role in this shift by mentoring other s and lead in various capacities. Any woman in finance can tell you that.7. Most of your colleagues are brick walls.In finance, people tend to be more reserved about their thoughts, feelings, and struggles. Youve had to create a community of internal supporters to champion you. And youve (hopefully) taken advantage of the generous medical benefits for outpatient and inpatient therapies most finance companies offer. There are plenty of resources to promote mental health.8. Career coaches are actually a thing.Ive experienced the impact a coach which for me, meant that I was able to get clear on my values, setting boundaries, and establishing self accountability to the impact I sought to have in my leadership role. Career coaches are necessary in finance, because as a woman, youre usually calling your own shots for your career. But really you wouldnt have it any other way.More about women in financeMakingTime A Day in the Life of a Senior Finance Director And MomThese 11 Finance Compa nies are the Best in the Industry for Women