Melissa joined Fisher Investments in 2015, where she currently works as an Infrastructure Operations Team Leader.
Since joining Fisher Investments, she has grown in many ways. From exceptional mentors to immersive training opportunities, she has had the kind of experiences that can only be found at a company that encourages employees to evolve as both people and professionals.
“It’s refreshing to work in an environment where you know you’re valued,” Melissa said.
By valuing its employees, Fisher Investments gives them ample space to leave their own mark on the organization. This empowerment has enabled Enterprise Transformation Team Leader Katy to elevate her skill set and broaden her knowledge alongside her peers. With support from leaders and access to educational enrichment opportunities, Katy has had the chance to apply the skills she learned in her previous roles to take the lead on high-priority projects; an experience that she believes defines the company’s culture.
“Fisher Investments provides amazing opportunities to step outside of your comfort zone and take on new challenges,” she said.
For Katy, the company has enabled her to pursue a rewarding career. And through this experience, she has learned that all skills and backgrounds hold equal value at Fisher Investments, even if they stem from outside of the tech industry.
“Everyone has something to offer,” Katy said.
Built In caught up with Melissa and Katy to learn more about their career journeys, how the firm supports them and the advice they’d offer to other ambitious women across the industry.
A Path to Fulfillment
Determination is what has defined Melissa’s life so far, guiding her on a path to professional — and personal — fulfillment. At one point in her career journey, she put work on pause to raise her children and earn her bachelor’s degree in digital technology and culture.
Although this transition from work to home and student life was challenging at times, Melissa considers it one of her greatest accomplishments.
“I credit myself for starting over in my career journey after having children, which takes a lot of perseverance and determination not to give up,” she said.
Melissa has certainly never given up on her dreams for both her family and her career. Yet while her own hard work has gotten her far, she believes Fisher Investments has had a large influence on her success — especially given the support she has received from her peers.
“I’ve had some great mentors that have allowed me to learn and grow in a collaborative environment,” she said. “I will be forever grateful to them for that.”
With access to various growth resources, including lunch-and-learn sessions, certification training and mentorship, Melissa feels excited about continuing to grow in leadership.
“I see management in two ways — there are ‘bosses’ and there are ‘leaders,’” she said. “I am a leader; someone with drive and vision. I know that I have a lot to offer Fisher Investments and the world of technology.”
“I am a leader; someone with drive and vision.”
As Melissa continues her leadership journey, she aims to inspire others to embrace the same fortitude that has fueled her own success. That’s why she encourages her team members to share their ideas and help shape decisions while giving them space to achieve their ambitions.
“I work to connect with them as people, not just employees,” Melissa said. “Their dreams, concerns and struggles matter to me, and I want to help in whatever way I can.”
MELISSA’S ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN IN TECH
- Do your research and find a company that truly values their employees and provides opportunities for growth.
- Don’t let self-doubt get in the way of your goals.
- Build a diverse community for yourself.
- Never stop learning, no matter what.
- Be ready for a fast-paced, constantly changing environment — and find the excitement in that.
- Don’t be afraid to share your ideas.
- Hone your communication skills.
- Find something that motivates you.
Space to Thrive
Katy has learned many lessons throughout her career, but there’s one that resonates with her the most: “You don’t need to be highly technical to work in technology.”
Katy, who holds a master’s degree in English literature, found herself in the tech industry rather unexpectedly. When her first employer wanted to bring more business team members into their technology department to build partnerships with the business units they served, they recognized her communication and collaboration skills and asked her to make the transition.
“I found a niche in translating needs between the business units and technology,” Katy explained. “This job of ‘translating’ became an asset in every company I have worked for.”
When Katy joined Fisher Investments, she brought her invaluable talents with her. And since stepping into her current role, she has had countless opportunities to flex her leadership skills.
For instance, the company’s leadership team enabled her to implement a centralized technology intake process, which required buy-in from executives, collaboration with leads in every business unit and partnership with each tech team. Throughout the process, she had ownership to develop and implement the new process. Although she encountered a few hurdles along the way, she emerged from the experience with a sharper skill set.
“The greatest resource provided to me was the support to try out new things and the space to make mistakes,” Katy said. “It was a rich learning opportunity for both me and the firm.”
“The greatest resource provided to me was the support to try out new things and the space to make mistakes.”
According to Katy, the level of support she received throughout this project is a reflection of the opportunities employees have to continuously build their knowledge. She said the company offers access to courses on many subjects, from project portfolio management to Azure platforms. Katy has also taken advantage of one of the company’s internal book clubs, where she has analyzed books on a variety of business topics alongside her peers.
Throughout her time at Fisher Investments, Katy has felt empowered to take the initiative and share her talents with the wider organization. And with this ongoing support, she feels she has the resources to continue to build a lifelong career.
“I’m seeking to increase my impact, focusing on the more strategic aspects of my team’s responsibilities, and I’m so thankful to have a supportive leadership team and coworkers,” Katy said.
As for her advice for women eager to break into the tech industry, her input is simple: Be yourself — and grow.
“Find your niche, capitalize on it and then expand those skills,” Katy said.
SUPPORT AT WORK AND AT HOME
While Fisher Investments aims to ensure its women team members are supported during the workday, the company also offers optimal benefits to enrich employees’ lives outside of the office. Katy believes the firm offers some of the best perks and benefits for employees and their families. This includes 100% company paid healthcare coverage, generous parental leave, and mental health support. She added that she has been especially impacted by the company’s focus on flexibility, which enables her to balance work and personal obligations through the firm’s generous paid time off policy.
