Unleash the possibilities: Women in Tech at Schwab
By Andie T.
As Schwab has earned its place as one of the top firms in the finance industry, many people forget how technologically-driven Schwab is as a company. With a challenger mindset and a thirst for innovation, technology is one of the main ways we challenge the status quo.
Our Schwabbies in the technology space help this happen with the work they do behind the scenes, such as developing apps, software, and coding that all make our technology tools come to life. As the technology space has grown, this means that more and more people are joining the industry – including the number of women in tech.
We were able to sit down with two amazing women in tech and ask how they’ve seen this industry grow at Schwab, as well as what their favorite part about being a Schwabbie is…let’s find out more below!
Rachel
How long have you been working at Schwab? What is your current role/title?
I have been working with Schwab for almost 3 years as a Software Developer.
What drew you to the technology space?
When I was a little girl, I’d watch my dad fix the family computer on our kitchen table. From that point, I was pretty much obsessed with anything technology, whether it be computer games or documentaries/books on the subject.
What are your favorite types of projects to work on and why?
I enjoy working on projects where I start from scratch as they allow me to flex my problem-solving brain muscles in many ways. As a full-stack developer, I design and face challenges in each step of the development process, from requirements to deployment.
How has Schwab and your team shown you support during this virtual work environment?
So thankful for my fellow Schwabbies during these crazy times! In addition, the mental health benefits, my managers and teammates have all been supportive ensuring I get any help I need. Even pre-pandemic my manager has worked with me to build my career and assist me through challenges. He has encouraged me to take mental health days when needed which is greatly appreciated.
What are you looking forward to most as your career develops at Schwab and in the tech space?
I’m excited to see how I as well as my peers grow in their career, both socially and technically. Technology is always changing and adapting to the needs of society – that’s the most exciting part.
Ana
How long have you been working at Schwab and could you describe your current role in detail?
I’ve been with Schwab for 30 years! I have grown personally and professionally at Schwab and I also met my husband here.
In my current role as a Release OPS Manager on the CET Digital Technology Team, I oversee 7 scrum teams making sure we are in line with process/audit/compliance requirements while keeping up with business demands by way of releasing new features and functionality to our clients.
I also oversee all infrastructure change that can impact our release, as well as those we need to participate in to avoid any service interruption. I work with all 7 scrum teams to address issues or blockers that require external teams to address. I am always looking for how to update and increase efficiency to all of our processes making our releases non-events.
How long have you been in the tech space and what exciting projects have you been a part of?
I have been in the tech space for 30 years! I started as a Computer Operator III, worked my way to a Network Operator, and then I became a Project Manager working on IT projects.
I was on the DATA CENTER Project (the build of our FIRST and Second Data Centers in Phoenix) implementing the Network Infrastructure. I was also the project manager over the Network Infrastructure needed to bring the PEAK (Schwab’s Phoenix service center) building online. I updated all the communication hardware in all our branches twice. Lastly, I managed the network infrastructure implementation needed to connect Schwab with our offshore vendors.
How have you seen the tech space at Schwab grow and develop over time?
Schwab has always been more tech-oriented than most financial companies in my opinion. We’re always looking to improve, to upgrade, and we’re always looking to see how we could do things faster and better for our client. Yes, we are a financial institution, but at the same time, Schwab does realize that our tech is just as important as our marketing and our sales – if not even more in the sense that our tech supports all of these other foundations that have to keep moving forward. This allows us to sell our services, making things easier for the customer and making things seamless.
When I was hired, I was the first woman hired in tech in 5 years (number 00769 to be exact). As time went on, more people joined the Tech Space and Schwab was welcoming to change, which included bringing more women into this space.
What is your favorite part about working in technology?
For me, it’s the challenge of learning new products, new technologies and bringing them in line to bring new features and functionality to all our products for our clients. We know if our customers are happy with our service and our products, they will stay with us.
