This semester I interned with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), within the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA). The particular office I worked in was the Office of Structured Disclosure (OSD). The SEC headquarters is located in Washington, D.C connected to Union Station. In my position I worked under the supervision of a team of individuals with financial technology background. My supervisors and coworkers worked for companies such as IBM, Oracle, PwC, IBM, Goldman Sachs, and more. This was especially important because my office worked extensively with database management, financial data transfer, website building, and statistical analysis of raw data. OSD was created to support the SEC efforts of making data accessible between divisions for research and enforcement. Some functions of SEC include, restructured approaches for required disclosures; redesigning taxonomies, validation rules, data assessments, and tools for conducting data analysis. OSD also works with investors to enforce that financial data is reported using eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL). I was allowed the opportunity to work on various overarching projects, which put me in contact with professionals from various offices and divisions. Throughout my internship I used various softwares such as Excel in an advance setting. I made data bases, created models for data analysis, and managed proposed disclosures. This sharpened my analytical skills. The process if gathering data and conducting research on large projects allowed me to experience project management and combine both of my majors. I was given a great deal of responsibility in which I was assigned to an SEC wide project dedicated to data governance and designing an internal website for SEC officers. During my first week, I was introduced to the Director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis. Due to my school schedule, my time in the office was limited; which meant I had managed my time efficiently. I learned how to prioritize tasks and get work done in a timely fashion. I found that asking questions early allowed me to complete projects in an efficient manner, with less roadblocks. One lesson I learned is that the most successful individuals in the office arrive early, knows everyone’s names, and work efficiently. The SEC is different than most government agencies, as the SEC is filled with industry experts, and projects are always changing due to financial markets, regulations, and companies changing. Some new information I gained from this experience is that I have a better understanding of the practices of financial institutions and SEC filings. It was interesting viewing the internal functions of a white-collar enforcement agency. I understand all the research and analysis behind regulations and enforcement decisions. The world of finance is ever-changing and there are new events and stories each and every day. One thing I found out is that you must be current with the news, economic, financial, and political. Reading the Wall Street Journal and other publications allowed me to weigh in on conversations/meetings, add insight, and create value on projects. In order to stay ahead and keep up with coworkers, I had to put in extra work on my own time to make sure I understood everything that was going on inside and outside of the SEC. In retrospect, I
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This book was a great read and challenged me to channel my inner passions for my entrepreneurial and career goals. However, during a meeting with my boss at the SEC, I was given a list of must-read business and professional development books. The first book my boss told me to read was What Color is Your Parachute? 2017 by, Richard N. Bolles. This book is on the most popular job-search books in the world. I will expand on the relevance of this book to my internship, as I discussed the book and my long-term career goals with my boss after reading it. The book challenged me to find my strengths, passions, and weaknesses. I thought of my career in relation to my personality and interests, not my major. One method of thinking Bolles explained in the book is the flower exercise (Bolles). This exercise addressed an individuals ideal career by breaking into 7 categories. The categories are people, skills, salary, purpose, geography, knowledge, and workplace. I was forced to analyze what I want out of my career, and more importantly what career fits best with my
This book was a great read and challenged me to channel my inner passions for my entrepreneurial and career goals. However, during a meeting with my boss at the SEC, I was given a list of must-read business and professional development books. The first book my boss told me to read was What Color is Your Parachute? 2017 by, Richard N. Bolles. This book is on the most popular job-search books in the world. I will expand on the relevance of this book to my internship, as I discussed the book and my long-term career goals with my boss after reading it. The book challenged me to find my strengths, passions, and weaknesses. I thought of my career in relation to my personality and interests, not my major. One method of thinking Bolles explained in the book is the flower exercise (Bolles). This exercise addressed an individuals ideal career by breaking into 7 categories. The categories are people, skills, salary, purpose, geography, knowledge, and workplace. I was forced to analyze what I want out of my career, and more importantly what career fits best with my