Humble beginnings
Akash Gupta didn’t know much about BlackRock when he interviewed for an internship in 2017. But that didn’t mean he wasn’t a right fit…
“My interviewers understood my lack of prior information and provided insights into BlackRock’s purpose and mission,” he recalls. “In one conversation with a senior employee, I remember a fascinating discussion about the practical use cases of Docker – a software platform that simplifies the process of building, managing and distributing applications – and Cloud Computing Platforms, which I felt demonstrated the firm’s cutting-edge technology to solve complex financial challenges.”
Spoiler alert: He got the internship – working with the Aladdin Quality Engineering team (now BlackRock Platform Engineering Services). His remit was creating a mock version of the BlackRock Messaging System (BMS), which supports BlackRock applications for client-server communication.
Mission accomplished: During his six-month internship, Akash and team were able to produce a complete mock BMS framework for testing applications in isolation.
The internship proved to be a great learning experience – during which Akash could easily envision a promising career as a technologist at the firm.
And so it began: Following the internship, and graduating, Akash decided to start his tech career at BlackRock – citing our inclusive and collaborative culture, as well as the commitment to leveraging technology, as a key influence.
Engineering a career path
He returned a full-time employee – entering as an Analyst on the very same team on which he interned.
The transition opened his eyes to the value of being a lifelong student. “I saw the importance of nurturing my innate curiosity surrounding tech and programming. In a constantly evolving tech landscape, personal passion becomes the driving force for staying motivated, adapting, and continuously learning to remain relevant.”
A different kind of ‘hack job’
BlackRock hosts an annual Hackathon, which brings together colleagues globally – irrespective of their roles – to solve complex challenges. Akash is a regular; he’s participated every year since he joined the firm.
Some ideas are just for fun…
The ideas that go far, however, are the ones that create a tangible impact. Like IDEA (Intelligent Data Extraction for Aladdin), a prototype Akash’s team presented in 2019.
After a few demos, the AWT team was interested in sponsoring the project.
Coincidentally, the latter Hackathon project overlapped with Akash pursuing an internal opportunity, where he would be exposed to more data science projects. He got the job and soon moved to BlackRock’s AWT team to work on his Hackathon idea.
It was a shift in role and focus altogether, allowing him to mix data science with his passion for both AI and machine learning. “The new role challenged me to create an AI-based system for the document processing idea. The core functionality of the project was driven by a convolutional neural network and object detection techniques. So the majority of my time went into research and experimenting with these techniques to fine-tune them for our use case.”
A true “One BlackRock” experience
Akash is far from the only person at BlackRock excited about AI and machine learning. His work on the Hackathon led him to meet another colleague with a penchant for similar work: Pravin Goel, Managing Director and Head of BlackRock India.
“While it was challenging, the support and guidance from my mentors and leaders within the firm was unwavering. I remember valuable brainstorming sessions with Pravin, who shared my passion for machine learning.”
This is all part of the “One BlackRock” experience, which is deeply embedded in the company’s culture. For Akash, that experience included getting to know senior tech leaders at regular innovation forums and partnering with teams to build solutions for the firm’s hackathons (BlackRock also hosts several office-specific Hackathons – many of which benefit local charities and communities).
Parting advice
There’s true value in stepping outside your comfort zone, Akash emphasizes. He was guided by his passion for machine learning and BlackRock’s purpose to help people experience financial well-being.
“As a technologist starting out, you couldn’t wish for a firm more invested in your career, providing all the resources you need to build the future you want.”
His advice for fellow colleagues:
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Two years into his undergraduate studies at Emory University, Tyler Nathan had an idea for a business that would help prevent people from being able to text and drive. But rather than leave it at that, he decided to launch his own start up, taking a leave of absence from college.
“As a business student with an entrepreneurial mindset—and a slight addiction to the show Shark Tank—I knew I had to go all-in,” he says. “It was an incredible experience working alongside fantastic colleagues and partners building a simple idea into a tangible and working product.”
After four years of running the company, however, Tyler was confronted with an inflection point for the business and decided to return to school, earning a BBA from Emory’s Goizueta Business School in finance, real estate, and strategy and management consulting.
But he didn’t stop pursuing real-life work experience: During the summer between his junior and senior years, he interned at BlackRock in the Real Estate Private Equity group. Upon completing his internship, Tyler received an offer to join the firm’s full-time Analyst Program and today is a Real Estate Acquisitions Associate and Deputy Portfolio Manager within the Private Markets group.
“Coming to BlackRock was a perfect fit for someone like me, who loves finance and investing, has an innate entrepreneurial spirit, and is hungry to grow and learn,” he says. “Plus, senior leaders will provide mentorship and opportunities for those who want to learn.”
Here, Tyler shares what made BlackRock the right place to start his career, how the firm supports employee growth, and why passion and patience are both key to finding success.
What initially piqued your interest in an internship at BlackRock? What about it made you want to join the company full-time?
I’ve always loved finance and investing, and through other internship experiences and conversation with friends and family in the financial world, I knew I wanted to pursue opportunities in private markets such as private equity and real estate. And after experiencing the startup environment, I wanted to go in the complete opposite direction and work at a major financial institution—particularly one that had a broad suite of investment capabilities.
When I started researching places to work, I looked into the origin story of how and why BlackRock was founded. The CEO, Larry Fink, and the other founders’ vision and purpose for the firm, including the BlackRock principles, truly resonated with me. Further, the firm is clear on its goal of meaningfully growing its private markets business, especially real estate, so being part of an area of growth was appealing.
The last piece of the puzzle was the firm’s robust internship and Analyst programs. Going straight into the buy-side is difficult for undergraduates; not many private market platforms have formal internships or hire undergraduates directly. The firm’s programs are structured, curated, and robust—truly tailor-made for junior talent development.
As you considered your options after your internship, what about BlackRock’s Analyst Program was most compelling or exciting?
Having gone through the summer internship on the real estate team at BlackRock, I got to experience first-hand what makes this place special: the people, the culture, and the firm’s genuine authenticity. After receiving my offer, it was a relatively easy decision to return.
Exposure to “real” work is critical early on in an individual’s career, as is access to smart people and mentors, and personal and professional development. All of that is precisely what the BlackRock two-year Analyst Program provided.
How did the Analyst Program encourage your professional growth?
The program provided the structure and resources to learn, and taught me to be comfortable with ambiguity. My colleagues of all levels supported me to achieve my potential. They enabled me to showcase my talent where and when appropriate, put me in positions to grow, openly shared constructive criticism to allow me to refine my skills, and were always willing to help when needed.
The program is also a great support system. Due to its scale, there are hundreds of other Program Analysts and former Program Analysts you can go to for advice about work or your career. The firm also has a treasure trove of resources, like BlackRock Academies (a library of best-in-class interactive resources and courses) and our employee-led Professional Networks, to help you develop within your specific role or learn about topics completely unrelated to your job.
What was the most surprising or unexpected part of the Analyst Program?
While BlackRock is a massive organization, I was pleasantly surprised that even young professionals have direct access to senior leaders, play a role in decision-making, and have exposure to clients.
I was—and am—impressed by the robust programming the firm has, not just for Interns and Analysts, but for employees of all levels throughout their careers at BlackRock. There are numerous internal networking groups and events, and there’s a distinct emphasis on having a broad-based knowledge set. If you want to learn something or meet someone, the firm makes it easy.
What are you responsible for in your current role at BlackRock?
My responsibilities include underwriting, structuring, and evaluating potential real estate investments along with supporting the management and strategy formation of several real estate investment vehicles on the platform.
I am fortunate that the firm has allowed me to develop both acquisitions and portfolio management skills, which is an unusual hybrid within the group. I have the opportunity to evaluate real estate opportunities across the risk spectrum, and our platform invests in all the major real estate sectors. Furthermore, in my portfolio management role, I get to evaluate U.S. real estate, as well as work on a global portfolio in the EMEA and APAC regions. I work closely with a talented group of senior BlackRock professionals as well as several of the firm’s strategic clients.
How has your nontraditional path impacted you and how you approach your work?
My path has led to a unique perspective and increased my appreciation for entrepreneurial risk, responsibility for other people’s capital, and the demands of running a business irrespective of size. Having run a startup, I am even more driven to succeed and develop into a trusted and valued teammate, working alongside my colleagues to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients/investors, shareholders, and the firm.
What skills or lessons did you learn running a startup that have helped you succeed at BlackRock?
Looking back, I think time management, data-backed critical thinking and strategy ideation, a people- and client-first leadership mentality, and the ability to tactfully ask questions are all qualities that have translated to my current role and have enabled me to be successful at BlackRock.
From a lessons-learned perspective, I’ve found that communication and collaboration are critical. Transparency with a team approach achieves the best outcome. And it’s also important to know that mistakes and failure happen, but it’s how you respond to that adversity that matters. Take ownership and learn from it—mistakes often provide the best learning experiences.
What advice do you have for people just starting out in their careers?
Being someone that colleagues feel comfortable going to for questions and who senior leaders can rely on for time-sensitive and important requests are things I’m proud of, and something I’d advise the next batch of junior talent to think about.
Be passionate about what you are doing and have patience. If you have passion, you’ll enjoy the journey and have the motivation to work hard and push forward even when the inevitable tough times come.
Patience is a trait I’ve come to value over the years. In a society where quick success is plastered all over the media and celebrated, at the end of the day, success—regardless of how you define it—comes over an extended period of time for 99% of us. A career evolves, takes different shapes and forms, and occurs over decades. You never know what will come, but be patient, love what you do, and enjoy the journey!
A version of this article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
The benefits of traditional mentorship have long been understood: Less experienced professionals have much to gain from someone more senior who can provide guidance, encouragement, and feedback as it relates to their life and career.
But what happens when the idea of mentorship is flipped on its head, and the senior-level person plays the role of mentee? That’s exactly what the firm aimed to find out with the new reverse mentorship program, one of BlackRock’s many initiatives aimed at helping our employees learn and grow.
The roots of the program can be traced back to 2021, when the firm’s offices in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region launched a campaign called “Count Me In,” to encourage employees to share information around ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The goal was to shed greater light on the different backgrounds and identities of the firm’s many employees in an effort to better meet their unique needs and help them thrive in their careers.
The firm created a reverse mentorship program in which underrepresented employees mentored senior leaders to provide an opportunity for participants to share and learn. Expert Patrice Gordon, author of Reverse Mentoring: Removing Barriers and Building Belonging in the Workplace, helped develop the voluntary program, which launched with a six-month pilot in March 2023.
“For me, it was about this education around what it’s really like to be an underrepresented professional at BlackRock,” says Melanie Seymour, Global Head of Client Experience and a mentee, as well as one of the program’s sponsors. “I wanted to understand through that lived experience of somebody else how they find the firm compared to me. And with that knowledge, how I can support broader programs and initiatives that address these differences.”
Making the Right Matches
When Seun Fayoyin, a London-based Director in BlackRock’s Global Consultant Relations group, was asked to be a mentor, he was hesitant at first. For starters, he had never really talked about what it was like to be part of an underrepresented population at the company.
“I’ve always focused on my work and tried to be as exemplary as possible. Oftentimes people, particularly in underrepresented groups, don’t want to draw attention to themselves because they don’t want to draw attention to the things that make them feel different,” he says. “The reverse mentorship program put me in a position to be able to open up about some of the experiences that I’ve had.”
Seun found he was able to do just that with Melanie, who was his mentee. “It was obvious from the get-go that she was invested in learning about me and my experiences,” he says. “She shared a lot about herself as well, which helped develop a great deal of trust.”
Melanie’s experience was equally positive and impactful. “I think it worked well because we both went into this with open minds and were willing to be honest with each other,” she says. “Seun didn’t feel like he had to hold back or that there were things he shouldn’t say.”
Seun and Melanie were one of 20 reverse mentorship pairs across the globe, all of which were matched very intentionally. For example, mentors and mentees worked in different functions and on different teams to help them feel more comfortable talking about sensitive topics. It also helped them expand their networks within the firm.
Before each meeting, they were provided with conversation guides containing sample questions and discussion topics, including those around external current events and how they affected people from different communities within the firm.
“We were really clear that the mentee would drive the relationship,” says Lauren Baer, a Director and EMEA Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion who is based in London. “They needed to set up the meetings, lead the conversation, and really think about how they’re reflecting and listening.”
Positive Results on Both Sides
The new program wasn’t Melanie’s first experience with reverse mentorship. She’d previously sat down with more junior tech colleagues at the firm to make sure she understood AI and machine learning, and to discuss their implications within the industry.
But with Seun, the relationship grew to be more meaningful—and reciprocal. “I definitely got out of it what I wanted, which was to listen and learn,” Melanie says. “But we also gained more from each other, and it became a mutual relationship.”
Seun now thinks of Melanie as a mentor as well, and appreciates that he has someone at a senior level who can help him navigate his career at the firm. But, perhaps more importantly, he and other mentors came away feeling like their voices were valued. The mentees, meanwhile, believed they became better listeners and leaders.
“They learned how to really sit with what they’re hearing,” Lauren says. “Instead of trying to quickly fix a situation, they are thinking about their leadership style and how they’re showing up for their team.”
In response to the successful pilot program, Lauren is developing a global toolkit, which will include all of the materials needed for the program to be implemented for various functions and demographics. Melanie believes it is imperative to continue the reverse mentoring program across the firm.
“Reverse mentorship is an underutilized resource in organizations,” she says. “Understanding the lived experiences of others is becoming more and more important, especially when you think of a multigenerational workforce. We need a way to have understanding across different levels of diversity.”
And any hesitancy Seun felt before the program began has disappeared.
“You don’t often find companies of this scale having a program that’s dedicated to bridging the gap between different groups and levels of people,” he says. “I was very impressed by it and 100% think we should roll it out more widely. The more people who experience it and have an opportunity to use their voice, the better.”
A version of this article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
A career as an administrative professional (AP) is not a ‘lazy girl job,’ as it was deemed in a recent viral TikTok. “Despite the role evolving over the past decade,” elaborates Simone White, Administrative Business Lead at BlackRock, “it still tends to come with a presumption that it sits alongside a business, rather than as an integral element of it. There’s a misconception that it requires little or no skill and that those who choose the role are doing so because they have little ambition or are not capable of doing anything else.” However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. “My role as an AP takes a mix of analytical thinking, creative problem-solving, and resilience to tackle my day-to-day,” Simone explains. And, as Simone has found during her over 17 years at BlackRock, her AP role has continued to expand with changing business environments, requiring her to take on increasing amounts of responsibility and accountability. With that, Simone has been empowered by leaders at the firm to spearhead innovative work — including outside of her regular role, like founding the Global Administrative Initiative Network (GAIN) in 2018. Simone created GAIN to benefit APs across the company, who were relatively isolated before the formation of this group. “GAIN became that link between the business and our community, providing operational oversight and advocacy so our collective voices are heard,” Simone tells us. The creation of GAIN was championed by business leaders who saw the value in employee-led professional networks. Today, Simone acts as the Global Chair of GAIN, which is still operating under its founding mission to engage, foster, and enhance the talent of APs by providing tailored resources, development, and education. And APs aren’t the only people who benefit from this group! “Our strapline for the GAIN network is ‘We All GAIN,’” reveals Simone. By elevating APs and their imperative work as culture carriers, upholders of operational policies, risk managers, and more, GAIN helps to amplify the unique and valued expertise of its members. We chatted with Simone to learn more about everything from her career journey as an AP to the inner workings of GAIN. Here’s what she had to say… Let’s start by discussing your work as an experienced administrative professional. What advice would you give to someone starting in this field? How can they develop their own dynamic careers? No matter your role in a company, it can be easy to get discouraged when you’re not provided with the same opportunities or your input is not valued in the same way as other colleagues. It is important when choosing this as a career you understand both the history of the role and what the role should look like today, so that you’re equipped to deal with any challenges. I would encourage anyone starting in this field to surround themselves with positive role models, stakeholders and sponsors who understand the pivotal role APs play. They can provide you with valuable insight into the role, support your growth and development, and open doors. It’s also important to remain curious, adaptable, and willing to learn new ways of doing things. Though some core elements of my role over the past 25 years have remained the same, the way I carry them out has changed. Today, my role involves demonstrating the skills that will most effectively enable me to manage my executives’ and teams’ most precious asset — their time — all while keeping up to date with changing priorities, technologies, and environments. How can we better advance and support administrative professionals? For so many APs across the globe, their careers have been limited, because the profession is viewed and treated as a resource, rather than as talented individuals in need of nurturing and opportunities for growth. APs need to use their voices collectively to make an impact — with active support from colleagues and leaders to drive change. Given that our demographic is majority women, the important role senior women within organizations can play is powerful. The way they work with their APs, the language they use when describing them, and the visibility and accountability they give them can help to change outdated attitudes and empower all women. So many APs have risen to executive leadership positions in their fields: Colleen Barrett, first female President of Southwest Airlines; Ursula Burns, the first Black female CEO of Xerox; Carly Fiorina, CEO of Hewlett-Packard and US presidential candidate. If we’re not viewing our APs as talent, we could be holding back some of the world’s next leaders. GAIN is one of the ways administrative professionals are supported at BlackRock. From your experience founding and leading this group, do you have any advice for other women who may want to start their own employee-led network at work? I have a lot! But I focus on five main areas: 1. Explore and know your “why.” GAIN recently launched an AP Career Framework at BlackRock. What does this entail? BlackRock made a big commitment by launching the AP Career Framework, a global initiative pioneered by GAIN. This was what we call a “true One BlackRock effort:” GAIN played a key role in advocating for and developing the framework, and BlackRock leadership drove its implementation – ensuring it was integrated into the firm, creating transformational change and inclusion for professionals whose roles were previously defined only by those they supported. The framework provides clarity for expectations in both skill and behavior, as well as a transparent career path for APs, enabling them to have greater ownership over their careers. It supports consistency across talent practices from recruiting to performance management, along with clear paths to promotion within administration and fair internal mobility criteria for those who may want to move to other types of roles or businesses within the firm. The framework replaced traditional administrative titles of ‘Executive Assistant’ and ‘Administrative Assistant,’ which historically were related to the person the AP supported rather than to the employee’s own competencies. The three new titles — Administrative Business Coordinator, Administrative Business Partner, and Administrative Business Lead — put an individual’s competencies and breadth of responsibilities, as well as the business, at the heart of the title. How do you see the AP Career Framework evolving in the future? The framework is a starting point of inclusion — not the end. It provides a more transparent, consistent, and fair process for us to manage our careers and raises awareness of what we are accountable for. The framework’s titles indicate that administrative professionals have different levels of skill and competency. The competency structures serve as an education tool for managers, talent teams, and the wider firm to understand the specializations that sit within this group and to view APs in the same way they view those who may be specialists in other business support functions. APs deserve the same career and development opportunities as all other employees in organizations, as this creates a truly inclusive environment. Their growth should not be hindered by the pretext that ‘someone has to do their duties’. All employees have tasks and responsibilities, but their growth is not confined by the task — they are developed to handle bigger scopes and advance on their own career paths. When they grow and excel, another comes in to take on the tasks and start their career journey — and so it continues. I want to see this expand beyond BlackRock because this is an issue that impacts the profession well outside of the finance industry. All organizations need to look at the inclusion of their administrative population and honestly reflect on whether they are viewing them as talent or a simple resource.
2. Have company buy-in and support.
3. Create a structured steering/operating committee.
4. Seek out executive sponsorship.
5. Build up peer participation and support.
A version of this article was originally published on Fairygodboss.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
You could say Nenad Prodanovic was destined to work in tech—even though it took him some time to realize that for himself. “My father was a pioneer of IT in Yugoslavia,” he says. “He fell in love with computers and became one of a few people at the time working on UNIVAC 9000 computers.”
Despite Nenad’s exposure to computers, he didn’t pursue a career in the industry right away. “To be honest, I didn’t have any plans once I finished high school,” he says. “I wandered for a few years: I studied sociology, served in the army, worked at a news agency, and was generally very unhappy with my career.”
Everything changed when Nenad enrolled in a new college in Belgrade that specialized in computer science. As he puts it, “Studying computer science, I felt like a fish finally being returned to water.” Today Nenad is a software engineer and delivery manager at BlackRock, based in our Belgrade office.
Here, he shares how BlackRock has enabled him to try different roles, why he is so passionate about financial literacy, and a few of his favorite sights in Belgrade.
What led to your job at BlackRock? How did you know the company would be a good fit?
At the time, BlackRock did not exist in Serbia. I’d joined eFront as a software developer, working on world-leading software products for alternative investments. In 2019, eFront was acquired, so we all became a part of BlackRock. I was already interested in working at a bigger company to build my career and make more of an impact, so that transition worked out well.
Throughout my tenure at BlackRock, I’ve had the opportunity to experience different roles including engineering lead and scrum master. I’m currently a delivery manager, which is a role I’m very excited about. I feel grateful that I’ve been supported in following my passions and exploring a variety of roles. Each of them has awarded me unique experiences and helped me gain a broader, deeper understanding of the craft of developing software.
What are you responsible for in your current role?
I ensure coordinated delivery of a group of our alternative products and a smooth software release. This includes overseeing cross-product versions, compatibility, testing practices, environments, and release planning and execution. I’m also responsible for release-related stakeholder communication, including setting clients’ expectations. Since we have many people focused on creating value for our clients, it’s important to track the big picture and synchronize all moving parts and constraints. This can be a challenging task, but that’s what makes it fun for me.
You founded the Belgrade chapter of the Financial Inclusion Team (FIT) in 2021. Tell us about FIT and its mission.
FIT is one of BlackRock’s employee-led Impact Networks. It brings together colleagues who are committed to helping more and more people experience financial well-being outside of their everyday roles, with a focus on issues like economic mobility and financial literacy and inclusion.
When eFront was acquired by BlackRock, I had the opportunity to learn more about public markets, asset management, and how people in countries with developed financial markets think about personal finance. One day I reached out to the head of the Belgrade office and suggested that local leadership share this kind of knowledge across our office, and he said, “Sounds good, do it!”
While I may have volunteered myself unintentionally, I enjoyed connecting with like-minded colleagues and we put together some well-attended panel sessions about financial literacy. I only found out later that FIT existed! It then made sense to officially form the Belgrade chapter of FIT.
As someone who is passionate about financial education and literacy, why is FIT important, and what does your work with FIT mean to you?
Eastern Europe has a heritage of communism and socialism. During the socialist era, no significant investment options existed. More importantly, people didn’t think about things like pensions or investments since the government represented the one and only economic decision center. Our parents never thought about investments, so we aren’t used to that.
The primary goal of FIT is to learn and then spread the knowledge, both inside and outside of our office. It’s important to adjust that old mindset and help people to at least to be aware of the financial context surrounding them.
What are a few must-visit sights for someone visiting Belgrade for the first time?
Belgrade is a town with a very rich history; Vinča culture started around 6,000 BC. It was an important city in the Roman, Byzantian, Serbian, Austro-Hungarian, and Ottoman empires. My favorite historical place in Belgrade is a no-brainer: Kalemegdan, a fortress that has been adapted into a park, ideal for walks and watching sunsets over the Sava and Danube Rivers.
Another great place for outdoor activities is Ada Lake. Not many cities have a lake so close to the center of the city, with training grounds for basketball, tennis, golf, football, and a host of other sports.
What are a few hobbies you like to do in your free time?
For most of my life I’ve been interested in completely different types of activities, from computers and how things work to the arts, especially music. I’ve played guitar in a few rock and metal bands, and I’ve been training in the martial art Ninjutsu for almost a decade.
Recently, my wife and I bought a house just outside Belgrade. Since we moved there, I’ve started many new hobbies around the house, like renovating windows, designing and building custom furniture, and even garden maintenance. I’ve spent a lot of my life creating virtual and temporary things, so it seems like I’ve found balance in creating real-life physical objects and working with them.
This article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Most kids learn about volcanoes through books or perhaps in science class while experimenting with baking soda and vinegar. But for Osric Richards, this natural phenomenon had an outside impact on his childhood – and life.
“I’m originally from the island of Montserrat in the West Indies, a place known for its serene beauty, but also for the volatility of its active volcanoes,” he says. “At the age of 12, I embarked on a life-altering journey, leaving home to settle in the United Kingdom, driven by the necessity to escape the looming volcanic threat.”
Osric still resides in the U.K., where he is an Associate in our Edinburgh office working on the Global Investment Operations Services (GIOS) team. But before he pursued a career in finance, he spent almost a decade serving in the British Army.
“The opportunity to traverse the globe and dedicate myself to the service of my country was a selling point for me,” Osric says. “From mastering telecommunication systems to taking the lead of combat teams in Afghanistan, my responsibilities were ever evolving.”
Osric has had a similarly varied experience at the firm, whose Veteran & Elite Athlete Program is dedicated to helping veterans learn new skills and transition to the civilian workforce through a six-month paid internship.
“My career journey at BlackRock has been marked by continuous growth and diversified responsibilities,” says Osric, who began as a member of the Global Client Services team before shifting to a role focused on regulatory affairs and compliance. In his current position, he “fosters collaboration and operational excellence across investment and client-facing teams.”
Here, Osric shares how the program set him up for success, why BlackRock’s community of veterans is integral to his sense of belonging at work, and how being a father has changed him.
What inspired you to pursue a career in finance/asset management after serving in the army?
Leaving the army was undoubtedly a significant and challenging decision, given my longstanding commitment to it from a young age. Soldiers develop a unique blend of adaptability and acute risk awareness. This led me to explore career avenues that aligned with the skills I had honed during my military service.
During my transition to the civilian workforce, I actively engaged in networking events and information sessions. There is a prevailing sentiment that soldiers possess highly valuable transferable skills, and I felt I possessed the requisite skills for a successful career in finance and asset management. This proved accurate as my proficiency in risk management, a skill honed during deployments, was a natural fit in this industry.
How did you find out about BlackRock’s Veteran & Elite Athlete Program and what made you excited about the opportunity?
I discovered the Veteran & Elite Athlete Program through the Army Career Transition Partnership. BlackRock organized an event at its London office to provide more comprehensive insight into the program, which allowed me to gain a deeper view into the firm and engage with fellow veterans who had successfully transitioned into finance.
The program spans six months, with placements in both London and Edinburgh. What particularly excited me about this paid internship is the tailored team placement, ensuring that individuals are matched with roles that best suit their skills and backgrounds. The overarching aim of this internship is to empower veterans as they enter the financial industry, providing a strong support system of fellow veterans.
Engaging in conversations with veterans who had previously worked in finance, especially at BlackRock, was a compelling factor in my decision. Their experiences and the assurance of ongoing support really solidified the opportunity for me.
What was your experience in the Veteran & Elite Athlete Program like?
My experience was initially daunting as it represented a significant departure from my familiar military background. I grappled with apprehensions, including the fear of imposter syndrome. But the program proved to be an incredible journey that helped me overcome these fears and develop valuable skills.
During my internship, I was assigned to the Client Onboarding team, a role that required close collaboration with various stakeholders within the organization. This role involved ensuring the efficient and risk-controlled implementation of regulatory and operational aspects related to new portfolio launches and portfolio lifecycle activities.
One of the challenges I faced was adapting to a new set of terminologies and concepts, which underlined the importance of the transferable skills I had acquired. I had to swiftly acclimate to this environment to effectively contribute to the projects.
Throughout my time in the program, I received unwavering support. The buddy system, where a fellow veteran provided guidance and mentorship, was invaluable. The “lunch and learn” sessions enriched my understanding of the business, and I had access to mentorship opportunities through the various employee-led networks within BlackRock. My team was also exceptionally supportive in nurturing my professional growth and development.
After going through the program, how did you know BlackRock would be the right place to work full-time?
First and foremost, I received an abundance of support during my time in the program. The mentorship, guidance, and resources provided were invaluable in helping me transition smoothly into the company. This level of support made me feel like a valued member of the team from day one, and I knew I would continue to have access to these resources as a full-time employee.
The people and culture at BlackRock overall were exceptional. I felt a strong sense of camaraderie among my colleagues, and the collaborative atmosphere was truly inspiring. The emphasis on diversity, inclusion and personal growth was evident throughout the organization.
The role I was ultimately offered aligned seamlessly with my transferable skills and career goals. BlackRock recognized my potential and provided an opportunity that allowed me to leverage my strengths while also offering room for professional development and growth. Joining BlackRock full-time was a decision I made with confidence.
Tell us about the BlackRock Veterans and Allies (VET) network. What are the goals of the network and how has it impacted your experience as a veteran at BlackRock?
VET is dedicated to delivering value to BlackRock, its employees and the veteran community through talent and engagement initiatives. The network’s goals include supporting veterans in their career growth, fostering inclusivity, organizing engagement programs and participating in charitable activities. As a veteran at BlackRock, VET has profoundly impacted my experience. It has provided a vital support network, facilitated professional development and enabled me to connect with like-minded individuals. Through its charitable activities, VET has also made a significant difference in the lives of many veterans, showcasing its commitment to giving back to the community.
As a working parent, what has surprised you the most about being a father? How has BlackRock supported you since becoming a parent?
What has surprised me the most is the profound impact parenthood has on one’s perspective and priorities. It’s astonishing how your focus shifts from personal pursuits to your child’s well-being and future. The level of love, responsibility and joy that parenthood brings is beyond what I could have imagined.
Support for working parents from companies like BlackRock plays a pivotal role. Flexibility in work arrangements allows me to balance my professional responsibilities with family commitments. This kind of support not only enhances work-life balance, but also contributes to the well-being and productivity of employees.
One specific benefit at BlackRock that has greatly supported our family is the employee-led Families & Allies at BlackRock (FAB) network. FAB provides a platform for employees to share experiences, resources and guidance on balancing work and family life. It facilitates connections with colleagues facing similar challenges, fostering a supportive community that helps working parents navigate the complexities of raising a family while excelling in their careers.
Other than spending time with your family, what are a few things you like to do in your spare time?
Football holds a special place in my heart, and I’m an avid fan. I not only watch matches but also actively participate by playing regularly on weekends.
Hiking and camping are also cherished activities for me. Exploring the great outdoors, conquering challenging trails and immersing myself in the beauty of nature is a source of both relaxation and adventure.
Cooking is another passion I indulge in. Preparing delicious meals and experimenting with different cuisines is a creative outlet that I find rewarding.
A version of this article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Mael Pidjou was barely six months into his role as an Associate on our Aladdin Client Business team when a manager asked him if he might have an idea for HACK:BLK, the firm’s annual hackathon creates the opportunity for creative problem solving through technology. And despite being a fresh face at the firm, Mael had just the thing.
In his role, the Tokyo-based Mael works closely on Aladdin, BlackRock’s investment management technology, often delving into the firm’s deep reservoirs of data to find pertinent information for clients. When generative forms of AI, such as ChatGPT, began to dominate the news this year, Mael wondered: What if this kind of machine learning could search the database more easily, freeing up more time to tackle new projects?
“Almost every person I had discussed my problem with said it was a pain point for them, too. In general, everyone wants to find information faster,” Mael says.
That inspiration became the basis of Smart Sensei, the winning project of the 2023 edition of HACK:BLK. The hackathon, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024, invites employees to collaborate with colleagues from their region, including some they may never have met. Regional teams are given a short time to virtually plan a project and just two days of around-the-clock hacking to bring an idea to fruition. Then, finalists create video presentations to showcase their prototypes, and employees vote to select one winning project.
Mimi Narbonne, a Vice President on the Aladdin Engineering Chief Operating Officer team, says the hackathon is a perfect example of one of the firm’s guiding principles, ‘One BlackRock.’ The concept refers to the power of working collaboratively and building connections across the company — from engineering and communications to sales and legal — to get things done.
“The hackathon wouldn’t happen without the whole firm being involved because the purpose is to think innovatively, and we have to bring everyone together to do that,” Mimi says.
Mael’s 2023 hackathon team is an illustrative example. The team came together during a HACK:BLK meeting in the Asia-Pacific region, where Mael and other employees pitched their ideas and formed small groups.
There were two other members from the Tokyo office (which inspired Smart Sensei’s name) plus three colleagues from India, and everyone came from different teams within those offices. An Analyst had studied a little machine learning in college and was keen to see it applied in the real world. Two engineers were experts in machine learning and language models. And a Director who joined provided project management experience in taking an idea all the way from A to Z.
“The hackathon really proved to me that BlackRock has so many skillful people all over and that it’s possible to collaborate with different teams and different regions,” Mael says.
According to Mimi, HACK:BLK is a way to not only inspire grassroots ideas that could improve the firm’s operations, but also create a culture of innovation in which employees from every division — not just engineers — can hack, too. In fact, hackathon teams are often made up of employees with engineering skills as well as those who want to contribute in non-technical ways. The event also shows employees that smart solutions can come from anyone, rather than just top-down.
“We’re spreading our tech culture across the firm,” Mimi says. “We’re inviting everyone to bring their ideas, and then connecting them with engineers to take their ideas across the finish line because, in the end, you need a working prototype.”
“Most people on the technology side are well aware of what’s expected from a hackathon, but we want to encourage employees on the business side to get involved, too, and to think like technologists,” adds Jing Chen, a Director on the Aladdin Product Service Engineering team based in Atlanta and one of the six 2023 hackathon directors.
In previous years, HACK:BLK asked teams to innovate within a specific category or field such as cloud, blockchain, or sustainability. But in 2023, the directors took a different approach, choosing a broader category called “operational excellence” in the hopes of inspiring even more employees to get involved. The challenge? To come up with ways to be more productive and efficient.
“I was a little worried that not as many people would participate because the theme wasn’t as tech-driven,” Jing says. “But everyone loved it. In the end, operational excellence had the most project submissions ever. It was a great experience for me to see the excitement around a common vision and goal. The hackathon helps BlackRock advance its technology and have a stronger employee community.”
Sometimes, HACK:BLK ideas do lead to real products, with engineering leaders adding them to their roadmaps. Mimi recalls a past hackathon project that was implemented within Aladdin. “The team didn’t come in first place, but their idea is now a real business,” she says. “A lot of times, it’s not a flashy project you see in the headlines.”
Take Smart Sensei. According to Mael, “Our use case caught the eyes of an AI team in London, and I’m going to be meeting with somebody about collaborating on it. Hopefully by the end of the year, we’ll have some beta users testing it.”
Before participating in HACK:BLK, Mael never imagined he’d have the chance to pursue his idea. “I was surprised at first that my manager pushed me to go and do it,” he says.
And now, he knows better. “There is a mindset at BlackRock that you should be like a student — always learning and improving,” he says. “The hackathon is quite representative of the company, and how we always try to find new ways to do things.”
A version of this article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
“It’s daunting to return to work after a substantial career break,” says Sophie Thurner, Vice President, ESG Product Specialist within the iShares Sustainable Indexing Segment. And Sophie is speaking from experience here — she recently returned to work after taking a break, all while pivoting her career at the same time! Before returning to the workforce, Sophie tells us that she had never worked in the asset management or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) spaces before. So, how did she manage this career change? Well, Sophie tells us that a mix of hard work and previous experience in investment advisory gave her the foundation to be successful, and she also relied on another very important resource — BlackRock’s Returners Program. This returnship “provides a structured program that gives Returners the confidence to work outside of their comfort zone,” explains Sophie. The program acts as an entry point for experienced-level talent like Sophie to return to the workforce following a career break by providing job training, networking, and upskilling — along with the possibility of receiving a full-time job offer after completing the experience. For Sophie, the structure of this program not only made acclimating to a new industry and role easier, but it also created a very smooth transition back into a full-time role in a financial corporation. “The program lasts 6 months and that’s long enough to find your feet and establish yourself as a valuable contributor to the team”, she notes. In this article, Sophie takes us through her experience in the program and offers integral advice for others who are looking to take on similar journeys.
You were part of BlackRock’s Returners program. Can you tell us what a ‘Returner’ is and what this program entails?
A Returner is someone who has taken a hiatus from their career for at least two years and is looking to get back into the industry. Many Returners have taken a career break for several years, after which it is slightly more difficult to return to work, especially if you have done something completely different during that time, like caring for family. In my case, I went back to university and worked in health sciences during my break.
Coming into the firm through the Returners Program, you join with a cohort, so you share the experience of starting at a new company with a new job among others in a similar situation, which is nice. Returners in the U.K. also receive coaching from Women Returners, an organization specializing in returners programs that guides us through aspects like building your brand and networking effectively.
The Returners Program makes returning to the industry and acclimating to a new role much easier and more structured. And, for companies, these programs provide access to a talent pool that would otherwise be difficult to reach.
How were you supported throughout your participation in the program?
In addition to the coaching described above, Returners are allocated both a buddy and mentor, who can each be extremely helpful in connecting the dots and navigating the firm. We also have access to a variety of strong employee networks at BlackRock (like our employee-led Women’s Initiative & Allies Network (WIN)), which can help make the transition easier as well.
Finally, what is your top advice for others who are looking to return to work after an extended time away?
This article was originally published on Fairygodboss.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Our Atlanta Innovation Hub (iHub) is committed to building and fostering strong partnerships with the ATL community and local nonprofits, like Black Girls Smile (BGS). Read on to see how our colleagues have supported the organization’s efforts.
BlackRock employees know that just one step toward fostering and supporting mental health can make all the difference in living one’s best life. That’s why the Atlanta chapters of our employee-led Women’s Initiative & Allies Network (WIN) and Black Professionals & Allies Network (BPN) collaborated on a grant proposal centered on championing that very subject.
Their efforts resulted in a $200K mental health-focused network grant for Black Girls Smile (BGS), an Atlanta-based, Black woman-owned nonprofit that advocates for mental health in young Black women and girls. The grant went to BGS’s Charlyne McFarland Therapy Assistance program to help 200 girls and women of color receive therapy.
It’s a win-win
BGS is committed to helping underrepresented and underserved women of color. To amplify their work, a working group was formed under Crista DeStefano, Managing Director on the BlackRock Platform Innovation (BPI) team, and led by Angie Damachi, an Associate on the BPI team.
“My hope for this partnership among WIN, BPN and BGS is that we can work collaboratively to support BGS by increasing employee awareness of the organization’s mission and purpose, utilizing the firm’s talent to devise methods to expand the nonprofit’s visibility and connecting the organization with other community leaders and corporations to aid them further,” explains Crista.
Our partnership in action
BlackRock and BGS have together held and participated in various events to promote mental health awareness, including a recent panel discussion on mental health struggles in adolescents led by BGS Founder and CEO Lauren Carson and Skyland Trail Family Therapist Brandon Baird. The discussion took place in our Atlanta office, organized by Angie, Grigor Boyadzhan, Vanessa Scott, and Holly Holland, and supported by WIN and BPN as well as several other employee networks, like Families & Allies at BlackRock (FAB) and the Abilities & Allies Network (ABN). The event helped highlight BGS’s impact in Atlanta and across the nation thanks to its therapy assistance program.
BPN also volunteered at a BGS Wellness Kit Packing Party, where 15 Atlanta employees helped sort and pack more than 2,000 items to be distributed to local women and girls.
“It was a lot of hard work, but the motivation came from knowing how much of an impact our support would have,” Angie says.
To learn more about Black Girls Smile, check out BlackGirlsSmile.org.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Before her career in finance began, Melanie Kuchinski Rodriguez started out in creative fields, first working at a theater in downtown Manhattan and then at a small graphic design studio. It wasn’t until she was hired at BlackRock that she truly felt she had found a company where she could thrive – and she’s done just that for more than 16 years.
“They took a chance and hired someone who had never worked in finance before,” says Melanie, who began her tenure as an Administrative Assistant on what was then called the Wealth Management team.
After her manager left the firm, “My perspective shifted as the structure of the team changed with his departure,” she says. “I could see new possibilities and opportunities for myself. My new manager created an expanded role for me that allowed me to lean into the skills I had developed over the years.”
Today, Melanie is an Associate who works on business strategy, event management and budgeting within the Family Office, Healthcare, Foundations and Endowments team.
Here, she talks about BlackRock’s culture of collaboration, the most challenging part of her job and how raising her hand has impacted her career.
You’ve been at BlackRock for more than 16 years. How did you know the company would be a good fit initially, and what has kept you here?
It really comes down to the people at BlackRock and the culture the firm promotes. We have five guiding principles that really do make a difference. One of those principles is “We are One BlackRock,” which encapsulates why I felt connected to my colleagues and the firm as a whole from the start.
The culture of collaboration is strong, and I always felt like my contributions mattered and that I have value. As an administrative professional, you can sometimes feel like you’re at the bottom of the food chain, but my team never made me feel that way. The firm has done an excellent job in hiring people who continue to promote this culture of collaboration and inclusivity.
You worked as a project manager before joining BlackRock. How does this experience help you succeed in your current role?
I have been able to use the skills I developed as a project manager in everything from budgeting to prioritizing tasks to plotting out a project, be it a client event or funding campaign. Multitasking has always been a strong skill of mine, and I juggle many projects and deadlines successfully.
What is the most fulfilling part of your job? And the most challenging?
In my current role, it is extremely fulfilling to conceptualize an event, execute it well and have a positive outcome, which hopefully leads to commercial opportunities.
The most challenging aspect is the learning curve. As an administrative professional, I didn’t pay close attention to the markets and our clients’ financial goals, but now I need to understand the driving factors behind the choices our clients make so I can help my team succeed.
How has BlackRock championed and encouraged your growth at the company?
My managers have always been very supportive of me raising my hand to take on new challenges. BlackRock also has a wonderful educational platform called BlackRock Academies, where you can learn about a host of topics from high-level market content to improving your presentation skills. Since I don’t have a strong background in finance, the courses have been so helpful in broadening my industry knowledge.
Tell us about your work with the employee-led network Families & Allies at BlackRock (FAB). What inspired you to get involved?
FAB was an offshoot of another employee network called the Women’s Initiative & Allies Network (WIN). It was just getting off the ground when I returned from my second maternity leave and I found their programming and support so helpful, I raised my hand to join one of their committees and basically never left!
I’m now the global chair of the network and I have seen first-hand the positive impact it has on my colleagues as they balance their work and family obligations. We run family engagement activities, educational events, small networking opportunities and 1:1 mentorships. I love making a difference with my colleagues on a personal level.
As the co-chair of BlackRock Gives New York, you’re also involved in philanthropy and have even won a volunteer award. What role does philanthropy play in the company culture?
Philanthropy is firmly embedded in the firm’s culture. BlackRock has a saying, “You can do good while doing well,” which essentially means that we can be successful, but we need to give back to our communities.
I’ve been a part of our employee network BlackRock Gives since its inception. It all started with raising my hand to help organize a blood drive. (Are you sensing a theme with me raising my hand?) Getting involved with BlackRock Gives has allowed me to organize numerous volunteering and fundraising opportunities and led me to win “The Heart of BlackRock” award in 2018. My department’s “Giving Back” award was even named after me for a time.
We recently wrapped up a global campaign called BlackRock Gives Back, where each office location came together to volunteer throughout the months of June and July to hit a goal of 20,000 volunteer hours. This year we had more than 3,000 employees participate, and July set the record for the greatest number of monthly volunteer hours in BlackRock history!
What is the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve received was along the lines of, “You earned a seat at this table, and you deserve to be here.” This was especially meaningful to me as an administrative professional. It reinforced the idea that just because I’m not a managing director, it doesn’t make my voice any less powerful. I have a place at the firm, and I should not shy away from making an impact.
What are you currently reading, watching, and/or listening to?
I am woefully behind the times and don’t listen to podcasts, but I am finally watching the third season of Ted Lasso. I started watching the show during the pandemic and it was the salve I needed during that crazy time. The most recent book I read was for my department’s book club, called The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. A fascinating read!
A version of this article was originally published on The Muse.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
Explore Akash's inspiring ascent from intern to technologist at BlackRock.
Learn about this entrepreneur's BlackRock career journey from Program Analyst to Associate.
Spoiler alert! It was a great success.
Learn how Simone White, a BlackRock Administrative Professional, is working to evolve the preconception of APs at the firm and everywhere.
BlackRock is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer in compliance with the U.S. federal contractor program. We are committed to equal employment opportunity to all applicants and existing employees, and we evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity/expression), sexual orientation, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religion, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. View the EEOC’s Know Your Rights poster and its supplement and the pay transparency statement.
BlackRock is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals and to providing reasonable accommodations or job modifications for individuals with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation/adjustments are needed throughout the employment process, please email Disability.Assistance@blackrock.com. All requests are treated in line with our privacy policy.
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