Melissa Weathers, Vice President Equity Research at Deutsche Bank, won a Rising Star Award at Markets Media Group’s 2024 Women in Finance Awards.

What excites you most about the future of your career in finance?

Equity research analysts play an important part in shaping the industries that they cover. In this role, we get close-up, one-on-one access to the top executives at the most important companies in the world. Our opinions (and those of our institutional clients) help form strategies and decision making at the C-suite level. Especially in an industry as dynamic and important as semiconductors, I look forward to having my voice and ideas heard to drive technological progress forward.

What’s one lesson you’ve learned early in your career that you think others should know?

Perseverance is essential. Every job has its challenges, and I have had my fair share of long nights, frustrating situations, and high-stress moments. However, I have found that those stressful moments and hard work often lead to rewarding payoffs further down the line. Rather than dwelling on the difficulties, I focus on the more fulfilling aspects of the work, such as engaging in stimulating discussions and contributing to important meetings. Those experiences and memories make the hard work leading up to it seem worthwhile.

What role has teamwork played in your success so far?

Teamwork has been fundamental to my success. I am lucky to have a team at Deutsche Bank that fosters cooperation and mutual respect, rather than competition or self-interest. My leadership team sets the tone from the top, which leads to a highly supportive environment where the whole team strives to achieve the same goal. I have learned a great deal from my boss and various teammates over the years, and their support has been invaluable in achieving my career milestones. I believe my progression at Deutsche Bank, from graduate to lead analyst, demonstrates the firm’s commitment to investing in its employees’ development at all levels.

What keeps you motivated?

My clients – I am inspired by the intelligence and creativity of the investors I engage with daily. Most in our industry have an inherent intellectual curiosity that makes debating certain stocks or industry dynamics very stimulating. Every morning, I walk into work with a new problem to solve (or fire to put out). The semiconductor industry is constantly evolving and highly technical, so even after seven years of doing this job, I still find myself learning something new every day. This continuous learning, combined with the chance to contribute new insights and solutions alongside leading industry professionals, fuels my motivation and drive.