Inna Executive Director/Vice President, Network Voice and Multimedia Strategy Technology division, Jersey City

This is the kind of place where if you want to stretch yourself, you will always find the opportunity to do so.

My Work

I work in the Technology division of Goldman Sachs in New York. My current focus is IP Communications, where my team helps to define the firm’s telephony, video, streaming media and collaboration strategy. We match our business need with the right technology, often working with vendors to meet that need. I also spend a considerable portion of my time working with and coaching members of my team.

As one of the largest players in the financial space, we help to define requirements for many of the technologies that hit the market – we actually influence product development – and I find this part of the job thrilling. It’s a great feeling to see our ideas realized in the final products.

My job is always interesting: I’ve had the opportunity to work with many emerging technologies and engineer many solutions for the firm. It so happens that I start working with a new infrastructure sector every two to three years. This is the kind of place where if you want to stretch yourself, you will always find the opportunity to do so.

My Day

I am currently involved in developing a communications strategy for the firm. This means that I am thinking about how traders, bankers, portfolio managers and technologists will communicate five to ten years from now. Not only is my work at the cutting edge of current technology, but I am actively trying to anticipate the future direction that the financial industry will take. I find this to be very engaging intellectually.

We are always working to improve the services that we deliver to our business. Any time we produce a solution that is adopted by the firm and adds to our competitive advantage, I am very proud. I also enjoy mentoring the members of my group. It is a very distinct feeling to watch someone grow and develop.

Most of what I do is team-based, and this fits within the philosophy of the firm. We work together to provide the best possible solutions for the firm. That said, this is a place where individual achievement goes a long way. Everyone notices when someone is really pushing themselves for excellence. Our people are our greatest source of competitive advantage, and the firm rewards great efforts.

My Path

Before joining Goldman Sachs, I was already working in the financial industry, where I used technology to devise practical solutions and create value. I enjoyed the fast pace and challenging environment but was ready for an opportunity to stretch myself and expand my knowledge.

I came to Goldman Sachs by referral and immediately connected with people during my numerous interviews. I thought it would be a fun place to work and build my career. I was very impressed by the quality of people and team spirit.

Myself

I was always attracted to the ways in which technology can be applied to solve problems. I think I’ve been lucky to work in the financial sector, since there is constant evolution. There are always new problems to solve and new questions to answer.

I’ve been at Goldman for 17 years. I feel very lucky to have had the chance to work in an environment that is so accommodating to professional development, to have worked with such bright people and to have contributed to the position of the firm within the industry.

Some of the things that hold true for the technology industry overall also hold true for a career in technology in finance. You should be the kind of person who loves to be challenged. You should enjoy a fast-paced and intellectually rigorous environment. And you should have an interest in the markets. After all, most of the work we do is to improve the competitive position of our business, and enjoying that world is fundamental to success on the technology side.