Currently Natasha C. Fatheree is relationship manager, corporate and investment bank, technology group at Wells Fargo & Company, which has more than 263,000 team members in 8,300-plus locations in 42 countries and territories. However, not that long ago, she was scrapping to launch her career.

“Three months before I graduated from Columbia Business School in 2009, my full-time employment offer was rescinded as a consequence of The Great Recession,” Fatheree recounts.

“I had accumulated significant business school debt, I was living in New York, and the national job market was bleak. The finance job market in New York was non-existent.”

So what did she do with circumstances that threatened to crush her fledgling career?

“I busted my hump - and my hustle was real,” she emphasizes.

“I used the relationships I forged with professors during office hours and in class to secure part-time, post-graduate positions. I joined forces with other displaced professionals on sweat-equity (non-paid) projects to stay relevant, and immersed in the recession-solution generation.”

She even squeezed cash out of her tiny apartment: “I lofted my living room and got a roommate in my 447 square-foot, one-bedroom apartment to make ends meet.”

She kept her head above water until the economy recovered. “I leveraged my network and stayed in touch with my professional sponsors until the market returned, and I negotiated another full-time employment offer (nine months post-graduation). Be resourceful,” she shares.

Fatheree encourages students to utilize established networks.

“A number of organizations exist to help educate and broker engagement among financial institutions and fintech,” she says.

“I maintain on-going involvement with the following organizations: Harlem Educational Activities Fund, Sponsors for Educational Opportunity, Robert Toigo Foundation, Management Leadership for Tomorrow, Thurgood Marshall College Fund, The Consortium and Inroads.”

Once hired, keep the networking pedal to the metal, Fatheree recommends.

“Partner with established players to maximize your financial services understanding and opportunities. Finance touches all industries and has the ability to change the socioeconomic status of individuals and institutions,” she elaborates.

The reach and importance of finance means positions are coveted, according to Fatheree. “Careers in finance remain highly competitive, but there are a number of opportunities to get your foot in the door during every stage of one’s career life cycle.”

And what does Fatheree do? “I advise corporate technology customers on financial strategies that leverage the capital markets (debt and equity) and treasury management solutions to help them make a meaningful impact in their respective industries and communities.”

It’s essential work. “Capital is the life blood of business, and it’s extremely gratifying to empower corporations with the resources they require to innovate and expand. The products and services that my company develops make a difference in every stage of a business’ life cycle. Our technology group has the chance to advise companies from start-ups to S&P 500 constituents and beyond.”

Once upon a time, Fatheree never imagined there was work like hers.

“Growing up in the suburbs of Orange County, CA, my only perspective of a job in banking was that of a teller. My exposure to financial institutions was limited to retail branches and ATMs,” reflects Fatheree.

“It was not until I got to college in the financial capital of the world (New York) that I appreciated the difference between retail and institutional banking.”

Fatheree loved what she saw. “I was drawn to the energy, excitement and earnings potential of the banking industry. I discovered banking could provide ambitious, young, new college graduates with access to significant business decision-makers (i.e., CEO, CFOs) and industry leaders.”

Fathereee’s acquired acumen even serves her personal life. “I recognized that working in banking could supplement the lack of financial education I received in secondary school and at home,” she says.

“Through my employment in financial services, I have aggregated an invaluable finance toolkit that extends beyond basic solutions (i.e., student loans, mortgage and retirement) to the instruments of wealth creation and preservation (i.e., equity, investing and asset management).”

And wherever you’re going in finance, walk through the door ready to go, Fatheree counsels.

“Proactively empower your sponsors with the tools to recommend you! Be prepared to articulate a customized value proposition that relates your skills and experience. Be ready, don’t get ready,” she concludes.

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