In today’s workplace, finding the right mentors and sponsors can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to one’s career trajectory, especially for up-and-coming Black and Latinx professionals. Bloomberg, a company known for providing ongoing learning and development opportunities for its employees, emphasizes the importance of these relationships through a variety of mentorship and leadership development programs. The company’s supportive environment empowers employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering both personal and professional growth.
The Bloomberg Difference
Jennifer Salaam, a Technical Program Manager in Bloomberg’s Engineering department, highlights what makes Bloomberg a standout employer for Black and Latinx professionals.
“The variety of challenges and opportunities at Bloomberg keeps you on your toes,” she explains. “The support offered by the various Communities (employee resource groups) across the firm means that there are others vested in your success. No day is exactly the same.”
Bloomberg’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just lip service; it is deeply embedded within the company’s culture.
“Multiple groups and programs across Bloomberg, such as Women in Engineering Leadership Development (WELD) and Bloomberg Black In Tech (BBIT), provide mentorship to its members,” Salaam elaborates. “Through these programs, members are connected with colleagues who offer guidance, provide a network to tap into or serve as a sounding board for new ideas, and help you fine-tune your career goals.”
A Culture of Inclusion
Salaam’s journey from software engineering to technical program management was shaped significantly by mentorship.
“The guidance, support, and accountability that you get when you’re paired with a more experienced employee or leader is invaluable,” Salaam says. “These relationships can lead to a broader network and increased confidence. By the conclusion of the program, you often feel empowered and have likely gained a few more connections who’ve seen you in action and want to support you as you pursue your next challenge or step in your career.”
However, mentorship alone may not get you where you want to be, Salaam admits.
“It would have been a much harder journey without mentorship and coaching,” she says. “I had two managers during this transition who played critical roles in helping me make the leap. They helped me find my voice, identify and, in some cases, reminded me that the skills I had were applicable across multiple roles, and they were there for me when I experienced failures.”
Salaam’s journey has shaped her approach to fostering inclusion at Bloomberg, and made her more pragmatic and empathetic.
“I try to enter all new relationships, teams, and organizations with an open mind, a willingness to learn from others, and a readiness to offer support first and advice second,” she says. This mindset has helped her build trusting relationships across teams and hierarchies, contributing to the company’s culture of inclusion.
Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers
For Joe Nathan Abellard, a Senior Software Engineer at Bloomberg, mentorship has been a cornerstone of his career. Having served as Academic Excellence Chairperson for the NSBE chapter at New York City College of Technology (City Tech) within the City University of New York (CUNY) significantly shaped his views on diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. That experience also placed into focus the challenges faced by talent from underrepresented groups as they enter the tech industry, and the need to be proactive when it comes to creating diverse and inclusive work environments.
“For Black and Latinx professionals who may face unique challenges and barriers in the tech industry, having mentors who understand their experiences is incredibly empowering,” Abellard says. “Mentors can offer insights, share experiences, and provide advice on how to navigate challenges in the workplace.”
Mentorship in Action
Abellard’s involvement with the Bloomberg Black In Tech (BBIT) group has been instrumental to his career growth and success. His mentor encouraged him to attend a roundtable event where he was paired with a department leader, providing him with invaluable insights into the organization and exposure to leadership.
“From my experience, one of the primary advantages it offers has been my gaining access to diverse perspectives and insights,” he says.
While Abellard does not currently serve as a formal mentor, he actively engages with aspiring Black and Latinx students during campus visits and conferences.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see their enthusiasm and determination,” he notes. “Engaging with someone like myself, who is doing the things that they aspire to do one day, motivates and inspires them to pursue their own careers in tech.”
Retention and Career Satisfaction
Abellard believes that employers like Bloomberg contribute significantly to the retention and career satisfaction of professionals from underrepresented groups.
“Bloomberg offers a wide range of opportunities for career growth and development,” he explains. However, he emphasizes the importance of actively participating in employee resource groups, networking events, and other professional development activities to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Advice for Aspiring Professionals
Both Salaam and Abellard offer valuable advice for Black and Latinx professionals considering Bloomberg as their employer. Salaam emphasizes the importance of networking, betting on oneself by taking challenging assignments, and learning how to fail gracefully, noting that failure happens, but how you deal with it will help shape your career growth.
Abellard advises exploring both formal and informal mentorship opportunities early on and seeking sponsorship as you look to advance in your career. Both build a network with the intention of gaining advice that will help you navigate the industry and grow professionally. He also notes that it is critical to recognize that mentorship and sponsorship are two-way streets.
Bloomberg’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, combined with its robust mentorship programs, creates an environment where employees can thrive and bring their authentic selves to work. For employees from diverse backgrounds, this supportive culture not only enhances career satisfaction but also opens doors to new opportunities and career advancement.
