One of Vioni’s career advancement strategies was to add value. For example, at Prudential, she developed an expertise in bond pricing.
“There was this technology that none of the sales assistants knew how to use, so I took it upon myself to learn it. Then I offered to do month-end pricing for various sales people,” Vioni told Financial Advisor. “It's a very onerous thing to do in mortgage backed securities, but it was one way I differentiated myself.”
Taking that extra initiative paid off for Vioni, who produces Broadway shows as well as investor-introduction and networking events.
Webb says the alternative investments industry has come a long way.
When she started out, it was a challenge to find privacy on the job to pump breast milk after she’d given birth, partly because very few women breastfed their babies.
“It has shifted and now companies provide rooms for working mothers,” Webb said. “That's an example of how the industry is changing and has improved in a tremendous way.”
Another strategy for advancement is to fill a gap.
Because Vioni did not have a background in bond math and was unfamiliar with yield curve analysis, she asked the Prudential research department to start a bond math class after hours for sales assistants.
“My friend and I were the only ones who attended, but it gave me an opportunity to access people I needed to know to help me improve my performance,” Vioni said.