From Curiosity to Career: How Women Are Finding Their Place in Finance

“What I enjoy most is tackling challenging problems where the solution isn’t obvious” 

This article is presented in partnership with Monash Business School.

For many young women the instinct to question, explore and then understand is more than a personality trait.

It can be what drives your career.

Curiosity and a drive to explore the unknown play a large part in the field of finance. It’s more than just numbers: it’s about innovation, insightful analysis, and making impactful decisions driven by data.

Christina Yong studied both a Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in International Business) and a Bachelor of Business (majoring in Risk Management).

She told Student Edge the reason she wanted to study within this field was because of her family. 

"I was intially drawn to the banking and financial industry through the influence of my uncle and aunt, both of whom built fufilling careers in banking," she said.

"Their passion and dedication inspired me to explore the field myself.

"After graduating, I entered the industry and quickly discovered how much I enjoyed the dynamic nature of banking, particularly in risk management."

Christina’s journey from Monash Business School to Collections Strategy Manager at Commonwealth Bank shows that when curiosity is nurtured in the right environment, it can take your career further than you ever imagined.

Trying to figure out if finance is for you?

Traditionally, finance often makes people think of spreadsheets and forecasts. And while this is part of it, it's also about uncovering patterns and making sense of complexity. 

Christina still remembers the moment she realised finance wasn’t just about numbers, it was about questions.

“What I enjoy most is tackling challenging problems where the solution isn’t obvious,” she told Student Edge.

“I think the qualities that help someone succeed in finance are strong analytical skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, adaptability and good communication.

“Finance can be complex, so being able to adapt, solve problems, and work well with others is really important.”

For young women who aren’t sure how they “fit” into finance, Christina’s journey is indication that we don’t need to master every concept from day one.

What’s more important is the instinct to explore, the desire to understand and the ability to problem-solve a multitude of different solutions.

Spoiler: working in finance is about critical thinking.

But what does this look like on a day-to-day basis in a real-world job?

For Christina it looks like assessing strategies, improving systems, or helping make decisions which can impact real customers.

She began her career as a Credit Risk Analyst at Citibank before eventually landing her role at Commonwealth.

Her current role allows her to look beyond the typical financial side of things and help “contribute meaningfully to customers and the organisation.”

“What I enjoy most is tackling challenging problems where the solution isn’t obvious,” she said.

“Using my analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills to find the right approach and achieve results gives me a real sense of accomplishment.”

For Christina, some of the most defining moments in finance have come from leading teams through meaningful change.

One moment that gave her a real sense of accomplishment was helping customers transition from an old collections system to a new one.

“This not only reduced the risks of using an outdated system but also made it easier for frontline staff to support customers.” Christina told us.

“I learned how important careful analysis, teamwork and clear communication are.

“It also showed me that even behind-the-scenes work can make a real difference when done with focus and quality.”

Christina’s advice for women interested in finance.

If you’re interested in a future in finance, there is a clear piece of advice Christina shares.

“[Do] not let stereotypes discourage you,” she said.

“This industry is changing and there are now many different pathways and opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and interests.

“Find a mentor you trust, as the right guidance can make a big difference. Stay curious, ask questions, and build a supportive network.

“There is absolutely a place for women in finance.”

A key part of her advice was to look at mentorship and scholarship opportunities.

These programs offer more than financial support - they also help female students build confidence, develop networks and access valuable resources while still studying.

“Scholarships like the Monash Women in Finance, Economics and Actuarial Science Scholarship sends a powerful message: women belong in finance and leadership roles,” she said.

“By supporting women early, initiatives like this help create a future where the finance industry is more inclusive, diverse, and full of strong female leaders.”

Is finance for you?

If you’re someone who likes asking questions, notices patterns easily and enjoys finding out the ‘why’ behind things, finance could be more “you” than you think.

And if this line of thinking is calling you, consider studying a finance-related degree at Monash Business School.

Being inquisitive got Christina a job at one of Australia’s biggest banks.

With the right mindset you could be able to make a huge impact in the finance world.