Women in Finance
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In this episode of The Downe House Podcast, host Simon Jones explores the growing presence of women in finance, spotlighting alumna Alexandra Wyatt, an executive director at JPMorgan, alongside two Upper Sixth students, Coyinsola and Imogen, who share their finance internships at Orchard Global and Kibbis Capital. Alexandra reflects on her journey from Downhouse School to studying Chinese and economics, her pivot into technology-driven finance, and the transformative impact of her time in China during the Beijing Olympics. She emphasizes the importance of representation, confidence, and continuous learning in breaking down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. The students discuss their internship experiences, their academic paths in economics, politics, and data science, and how school has prepared them for high-pressure environments. The conversation underscores the evolving landscape of finance, where technology, sustainability, and human judgment are increasingly central, and offers practical advice for aspiring professionals to stay curious, apply for spring weeks, and embrace the journey with joy and resilience.
Representation matters: Seeing women like Alexandra in finance inspires students to pursue careers in the field.
Finance is not just spreadsheets—it's about relationships, judgment, and global trends.
Technology and AI are transforming investment decisions, reducing reliance on manual data work.
Confidence can be performed—school experiences like public speaking help build this crucial skill.
Keep learning and stay open: The career path in finance is evolving rapidly, and adaptability is key.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction: Women in Finance at Downhouse School
“I just definitely wasn't. I didn't really see people who looked like me in finance either, so it just wasn't something that crossed my mind.”
Alexandra’s Journey: From Downhouse to JPMorgan
Alexandra shares her time at Downhouse, her studies in Chinese and economics, her internships at Silicon Valley Bank and JP Morgan, and how her experience in China shaped her career path.
Student Internships: Real-World Finance Experience
“I learned a lot about the technical differences... what the firm looks for. And I got to hear also from the legal side, which was also really interesting.”
The Modern Finance Career: Beyond Spreadsheets
“Every day is very much different. So next week, as an example, I'm headed to New York to help a quantum computing company close their Series C round.”
Advice for the Future: Learning, Confidence, and Joy
“Work hard but also have fun. It's about the journey, not just the destination.”
“Work hard but also have fun. It's about the journey, not just the destination.”
“I just definitely wasn't. I didn't really see people who looked like me in finance either, so it just wasn't something that crossed my mind.”
“Every day is very much different. So next week, as an example, I'm headed to New York to help a quantum computing company close their Series C round.”
Host
Guests
Alexandra Wyatt
person
Downhouse School
organization
Simon Jones
person
Imogen
person
Coyinsola
person
JPMorgan
organization
Silicon Valley Bank
organization
PPE
other
Orchard Global
organization
Lehman Brothers
organization
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