Lauren Simmons, a 2016 graduate of Kennesaw State is the only full-time female trader at the New York Stock Exchange, a job she enjoys despite a lack of women in the field.
At 23 years old, Simmons is the youngest trader on the floor, making her stand out in a room full of mostly middle-aged males. Simmons’ talent also stands out, and her ability to land this position proves her whit is just as sharp as any male in the industry.
In New York, Simmons’ job entails buying and selling stocks that represent equity in a company.
In a world of buying and selling stocks, Simmons says that she feels at home in the excitement that is the NYSE, and said she is not treated differently because of her age, race or gender.
Peter Tuchman, an NYSE floor broker, told CNBC that the industry has always been male-dominated, except during World War II when it was run entirely by women. When the war was over, the men came back, and the floor has been dominantly male ever since.
Simmons hopes to see the male-dominated nature of the field change, especially since Stacey Cunningham was appointed the first woman president of the NYSE in May.
Simmons believes that many women may not apply to the NYSE because of the male-dominated nature of the field. However, Simmons was not afraid to be the only woman in her working environment.
“In high school, I had an engineering course and math classes where I was the only female,” Simmons said in an interview with CNBC. “I’ve been okay with it.”
She believes the key to being a good trader is having confidence in yourself, and making your voice heard on a bustling and noisy floor.
“It’s different from the typical nine-to-five,” Simmons said. “You have no idea. The market could go up or down.”
Because it is so rare for women to land positions at the NYSE, Simmons has received media attention from a multitude of outlets, including BBC and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
When asked how it feels to be represented in popular media, Simmons told the Sentinel “It feels really good. It’s rewarding to know the platform I have is inspiring people.”
Simmons advised KSU students who want to make it big — on Wall Street or otherwise — to not fear rejection and to make human connections.
“Get your face out there,” Simmons said. “Networking is key.”
Simmons’ success story is one that she hopes will empower KSU students and women to chase after their dreams.
