From athlete to analyst.

Meet Nina Magnotta. She was a division-one athlete in college who hadn’t considered a banking career. It was only when she recognised like-minded competitive spirits in a Barclays panel that she realised the finance industry could offer her a new, exciting challenge. Now, she’s a second-year analyst in our corporate bank with big ambitions.

“I was immediately drawn to the ambition and diversity of thought that was illustrated in those analysts.”

As a student and sportswoman, Nina always knew how to work hard. She not only successfully juggled academia and athletics, but she also volunteered and interned to gain experience and explore her career options. Banking hadn’t been on her radar, but when an alumni and Barclays analyst hosted a panel, she immediately saw a parallel between athletes and analysts. For Nina, they epitomised drive and determination. They set targets and beat them. Immediately, she knew the banking industry offered an outlet for her competitiveness.

“I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded women and ambitious people. So, that night I went home and I applied for the internship.”

Initially, Nina struggled with imposter syndrome, feeling like she didn’t belong. But with the guidance and training from her inclusive teammates, “that anxiety quickly evaporated” and her ambition kicked in – how could she take her career to the next level?

Discovering female mentors in the finance world.

While Nina had always been a capable, independent young woman, she also knew better than most the advantages of having a coach. It was then that she was introduced to Barclays’ women’s initiative network (WIN). From providing a platform to connect with like-minded women, to facilitating a safe space to talk about issues, enhancing female representation, and empowering the younger generation moving up through the firm, WIN offered Nina the professional resources and personal support she needed to excel in the banking industry.

Now Nina is a second-year analyst, collaborating with industry leaders, developing bespoke debt solutions, delivering pioneering corporate banking products – and she’s only just begun, chasing bigger and greater challenges.