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The women at XMLdation: Paula Ruohoranta

Did you know that according to Gartner, 70 % of senior sales leaders are men? Because of Women's History Month, we want to empower women and celebrate their accomplishments. This week, we're introducing you to a few of XMLdation's incredible women.

Now in the spotlight is our Head of Sales, Paula Ruohoranta.

Paula employee highlight

Q. What are the three most memorable moments in your career?

I'd say most of them happened in the early stages of my career. I remember my first time visiting a trading floor of a tier 1 bank in London. I also remember when I was supporting an investment bank during IPO - they were taking a company public and the energy was unforgettable. The last, and most recent one I would say is when I joined XMLdation and learned how much financial technology is required to keep money moving. Between people, countries... You take it for granted in your everyday life, but the amount of software that is at the background is astonishing.

 

Q. What made you choose XMLdation as an employer? 

I chose XMLdation because I wanted to work in the payments industry and I wanted to gain exposure to a more technical role. During the interview process it was clear that the company has a really collaborative spirit and everyone works towards a common goal without any egos getting in the way. XMLdation has given me this opportunity, in a supportive environment with like-minded people who are passionate about making an impact in the payments industry. We are a company that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the payments space. 

 

Q. What advice would you give to young women considering a career in financial technology? 

The gender gap in the Fintech industry is wide. According to the World Economic Forum, women represent only 25% of the workforce. And this gap gets wider the higher in the organization you go. According to Accenture, only 19% of leadership positions in Fintech companies are held by women.

My advise is:

1. Pursue a relevant education: Consider pursuing a degree in fields like computer science, mathematics or engineering, depending what you are interested in. For commercial roles you can't go wrong with an MBA.

2. Gain relevant skills and experience: Take internships or entry-level jobs to gain experience in Fintech. Develop relevant skills in coding, data analysis, cybersecurity, or project management.

3. Build a network: Attend industry events and meetups to build your professional network. Join relevant online communities and engage with others in the field.

4. Seek out mentors: Find mentors who can offer guidance and advice on navigating the industry and advancing your career.

5. Embrace challenges and be persistent: The field of financial technology is constantly evolving, and you may face challenges along the way. Embrace these challenges and be persistent in your pursuit of your goals. 

6. Advocate for yourself and others: Advocate for yourself and for other women in the industry. Encourage and support diversity and inclusion efforts in your workplace and in the industry as a whole. 

7. Keep learning: Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices. Take courses or attend workshops to develop new skills and broaden your knowledge. 

 

In short: Success in the Financial Technology industry requires hard work, dedication and continuous learning. With the right skills and attitude, you can succeed in this exciting and rapidly growing field. 

 

Did you miss our CEO Tricia Balfe's post? Read it here.

Find our software engineer Swati Singh's inspirational words here.

About XMLdation

XMLdation is a world leader in financial messaging. Our solutions are designed for banks and clearers.

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