In this edition, we get to know Brenna Sermarini, Technical Product Manager, Mastercard.
What prompted you to join WIN, and what would you say are the most critical elements of WIN that have kept you engaged?
I joined WIN five years ago on the recommendation of my previous manager as a way to network outside of our company. WIN has been instrumental in helping me advance my career by providing unparalleled professional networking and career development opportunities. I’ve also benefited from WIN’s dedication to delivering high-caliber educational programs and access to vital resources which have kept me up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Being a part of WIN has truly enriched my career and personal growth, making it an indispensable asset in my professional journey.
WIN is dedicated to empowering professional development in the financial services industry. Could you describe your career path thus far and how you continue to grow and learn new things?
As a mid-level professional, my path in the financial services industry has required me to continuously grow and adapt. I initially pursued finance due to my fascination with the intersection of money and human motivation, even as I harbored a keen interest in technology and innovation. I began my career at SEI in project management, but after a year, I realized I wanted something different and decided to make a change. I transitioned into asset management as a Solutions Data Analyst, and spent four years honing my technical, financial, and leadership skills. Concurrently, I expanded my horizons through various avenues, such as earning a Business Analyst certificate from Harvard Business School Online, passing the CFA Level 1 exam, and actively engaging in professional networks like WIN.
Now, as a Technical Product Manager at Mastercard, I manage the Priceless.com platform, delving into SAAS (software as a service) solutions that bridge organizations and customers through personalized benefits. While this shift was initially daunting, it has broadened my expertise, pushing me to learn about e-commerce and payments.
I’ve gained more clarity on my career path, which has influenced how I dedicate my time to learn and grow further. I’m currently pursuing a certification in agile product management and have plans to begin a Master’s program in the next 12 to 18 months. Throughout this journey, I’ve learned to embrace both successes and failures as integral parts of my personal and professional evolution.
Given your focus on project management within financial services, could you speak to some career path possibilities in this area?
The opportunities within product management are endless, both within and outside of financial services. There is a natural linear career progression in the product space, such as working up to becoming a senior project manager (PM), a director, or even a Chief Product Officer. However, because the role itself is cross-functional and interdisciplinary, it also allows for lateral career movement. Many of the skills that PMs have (such as strategic and customer-centric thinking, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and decision-making) support a career pivot into areas like user experience and design, data and analytics, marketing, sales, consulting, and more.
Beyond titles, there are many educational opportunities in the product space that can benefit a wide audience. Concepts like agile, marketing and design thinking are examples of topics that PMs might consider in pursuing additional educational opportunities. In the next few years, I see trends like artificial intelligence/extended reality, automation, ESG and sustainability, and personalization continuing to drive both career and learning opportunities.
If you could give one piece of career advice to a young professional, what would it be?
Don’t be intimidated if you don’t know what you want to do, and don’t be afraid to take risks. When we’re young, we often let the opinions of those around us–parents, family, friends, coworkers–influence the decisions we make. Your career will span far too many years for it to be based on someone else’s idea of what you should be doing, so make decisions for yourself! Similarly, while you may start your career thinking that you know what you want to do, it doesn’t have to be a permanent decision; learning what you don’t enjoy is just as important as discovering what you do!
Are there any topics or trends you would like to see covered at upcoming WIN events? Why?
I’m quite intrigued by artificial intelligence. Its versatility spans countless domains, and it would be fascinating to explore how individuals and organizations are embracing and incorporating AI within their respective disciplines (including the associated ethical and moral dilemmas). It’s particularly interesting to observe the diverse approaches that organizations have taken in response to the widespread adoption of AI. I’d love to hear some perspectives on this topic.