East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
§ The goal of this podcast is to provide stories and experiences of Pakistani professionals in their respective industries and to allow listeners to be more informed of their field of interest.
§ A common connection being Pakistani roots allows for relatable stories for individuals who are looking to grow in their profession or simply want to learn more about a particular field.
§ There will be no industry left untouched from start-ups, traditional careers paths or newer outlets such as podcasts, YouTube or side hustles. Join me as we explore the various careers that Pakistani professionals are working at in the West.
East Meets West: Pakistani Professional Journeys
S3 EP 13 | Associate Director at Finch Ratings | Ft. Mehak Zaidi, MFin
Join us on this episode of the East Meets West Pakistani Professional Journeys Podcast as we sit down with Mehak Zaidi. Mehak shares her inspiring journey from studying accounting and finance at LUMS in Pakistan to achieving her Master's in Finance from McMaster University in Canada. With prior work experience at RBC and S&P Global Ratings, Mehak now serves as the Associate Director at Fitch Ratings. Discover her experiences, challenges, and the lessons she learned in transitioning from Pakistan to the West. She offers valuable insights into networking, job hunting, and staying motivated through challenging times. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in professional growth, especially those considering a move from Asian countries to the West. Tune in biweekly every Sunday at 5:00 PM on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple iTunes.
00:00 Intro
01:28 Early Life and Education in Pakistan
02:04 Life at LUMS
03:15 Memorable Experiences at LUMS
05:19 Key Connections and Mentorship in Pakistan
06:41 Support from Family and Overcoming Challenges
07:56 Importance of Financial Literacy for Women
10:08 Journey to Canada for Higher Education
11:35 Securing the First Job in Canada
12:54 Experience at RBC
14:13 Transition to S&P Global Ratings
15:58 Reaching Out To Network
17:23 S&P Role
19:06 Role and Responsibilities at S&P
22:16 Joining Fitch Ratings
24:47 Balancing Work and Personal Life
26:54 Key Habits Developed
28:32 Accelerate Your Career
31:06 Advice for Newcomers to the West
33:28 Defining Success
35:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections