How T. Rowe Price Appeals to Diverse Talent: A Q&A with MBA Day Participant Tega Edah
"We launched the event because, historically, there's been a gap in financial services when it comes to people of color and women," explains Naomi Garvin, the firm's Diversity Recruitment Program Manager. "When we think about how we do business and who we do business with, we want to make sure our associates reflect the communities we serve – not just our clients, but the communities we invest in."
T. Rowe Price works with the firm's extensive network of analysts, campus investment clubs, and the Robert Toigo Foundation to find diverse students interested in a career in assets management. They spend three days in Baltimore, learning about T. Rowe Price, delving into investment topics, and exploring the vibrant city. This year, they attended a Baltimore Ravens' NFL football game and also tasted some local culinary highlights on a food tour of Mt. Vernon, one of Baltimore's most historic neighborhoods.
Tega Edah, a first-year MBA student at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, was one of 26 participants in this year's MBA Day program. We spoke with her about her experience.
You've done an internship with T. Rowe Price as well as other programs. How did MBA Day compare to these?
My internship was about personal growth. Everyone here was willing to go the extra mile to make sure I understood things as I was climbing a very steep learning curve. MBA Day helped me see what my life would look like if I worked here. It's very, very evident to me that if you consider yourself to be a results-oriented and caring person and want to work in a collegial and collaborative environment, then T. Rowe Price should be your home.
How do you think events like these can help attract diverse candidates?
Many candidates of diverse backgrounds do not have exposure or access to what even investment management looks like. The first time I ever heard about a 401k was when I was hired in my first job. Access and exposure are key but beyond that, programs like MBA Day show how you can progress and take full advantage of opportunities in this career.
What are your main takeaway from MBA Day?
One fireside chat on corporate social responsibility particularly resonated with me. Fagan Harris, President and CEO of Baltimore Corps, shared why you should really understand what motivates you deeply. Know why you come to work every morning, what you're fighting for, and what change you want to see in the world. Then use that knowledge to help power whatever decisions you're making and the amount of effort that you put into your commitments. Make it your North Star.
I was also struck by T. Rowe Price CEO Bill Stromberg's advice to "Be a student of people." You must learn how to leverage other people's perspectives to really succeed.
What was your favorite part of the weekend?
I really liked getting to know the T. Rowe crew on a more informal basis. Over casual conversation, they shared their own experiences with career fails and finding a way to get back up and bounce back. They were candid about the experience and showed me how it ultimately made them a better investor.
Would you recommend MBA Day to your peers?
Yes, anyone interested in an investment management career should come here to see what "good" looks like. People struggle with knowing what to expect after graduation. MBA Day will give you a flavor of what it's like to work here.
Early on in your career, you're going to be afraid of failing. But at T. Rowe Price, I learned to feel comfortable being uncomfortable. When I felt like I was faltering, they supported me and offered new challenges. The people here have so much faith in me. I encourage others to experience that for themselves.
What surprises you about the city of Baltimore?
Without a doubt, the Baltimore hospitality. When I first came here for my summer internship, I was struck by how everyone was so nice – even people you simply walk by on the street. There's also a deep call to action: Most Baltimore residents give back to the community in some way. It's embedded and integrated into the culture and vibe of the city. It's very cool.
