After graduating with a Masters in Mathematics from the University of Bristol, Zainab joined Barclays on a two year graduate programme. She is now an award-winning Senior Digital Product Manager (Vice President), focusing on creating innovative features to keep enhancing the Barclays app. She is Co-Chair of the Barclays Black Professionals Forum, championing diversity, inclusion and equality in the workplace. Ahead of her appearance on the panel for our event ‘Mapping out Tech’, we asked her some quick fire questions.

Could you briefly describe your career journey?

I studied Mathematics at the University of Bristol. During my time at university I completed a summer internship with Barclays which gave me an insight into the Financial Services industry. After I graduated in 2016, I joined Barclays on a two year graduate training programme and completed placements in various teams, from strategy to product management.

At the end of the programme, I joined the Digital Banking team, working on the Barclays app. I am now an award-winning Senior Digital Product Manager (Vice President), ), focusing on creating innovative features to keep enhancing the Barclays app.

I am really passionate about championing diversity, inclusion and equality. I am Co-Chair of the Barclays Black Professionals Forum (BPF), an employee diversity network focused on creating a more inclusive workplace, and attracting, developing and supporting current and future Black colleagues.

What has surprised you most about working in your industry? 

One thing that surprised me when entering the industry is the breadth of opportunities and career paths available. The graduate programme made me realise this because every 6-9 months I was placed in a completely different area to where I was before. I had no idea my current role existed when I first joined Barclays, and even now I meet colleagues doing work that I was completely unaware of.

There are also loads of resources and opportunities for training and career development. We have lots of online modules covering lots of topic, from Technology to leadership. It’s really easy to learn more and upskill yourself, which could be really valuable in helping to progress your career. A colleague of mine is even completing a part-time masters alongside his day job which I think is incredible.

What career advice would you give 20 year old you?

It’s okay to not know what you want to do in future. There are so many options, some of which you don’t even realise exist! Just focusing on pursuing things that you enjoy, and you’ll find a career (or more than one career) that is right for you. Don’t feel the need to pigeonhole yourself either – it’s okay to try new things and change your mind. As long as you’re continuously learning and challenging yourself, every opportunity you explore will be valuable.