Being Yourself at State Street
An interview with Duruo Murray, Senior Associate at State Street
State Street is one of the world's leading providers of financial services to institutional investors, including investment servicing, investment management, and investment research and trading. They service and manage investments for governments, institutions and investment companies through a global network of around 39,000 employees in more than 100 geographic markets. State Street plays a leading role in industry efforts around diversity, climate change, environmental, social and governance investing, and sustainability action. They achieved carbon neutrality in 2020.
We talked with Duruo Murray, who identifies as transgender male and has joined State Street in July 2021 through an early careers program – Professional Development Program (PDP). State Street’s PDP is a leadership rotational program designed to develop entry-level employees within State Street. The program is available in selected locations in the United States, India and EMEA. Duruo talks to us about how the program has allowed him to jump-start his career in finance and the atmosphere of acceptance he has experienced.
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Brooklyn, New York. I will be relocating to Boston soon. I recently graduated from Babson College, where I double-majored in marketing, and social and cultural studies. When I’m not working, I am usually with friends and family, bartending or studying different languages like Arabic.
Why did you decide to join State Street’s PDP?
When I started my job search, I was looking for a place where I would be able to enhance my learning of the financial industry, while advancing my career. I also wanted to be part of a company that would accept me as an individual with many conflicting identities. When I first interviewed for State Street’s PDP, I saw everything that I could want within a company: the opportunity to explore different aspects of the company while being out and proud as transgender male with no hesitation.
What is your first memory from joining the program?
On the first day, I remember logging on to Webex and meeting everyone from my PDP cohort. Getting to speak to my manager at the end of my first week was refreshing. I was able to get a better understanding of my role within the team and I was excited about this new chapter of my life. My first week was a clear indication that my fears were just that: fears. Everything I was feeling was not going to go away quickly, but I knew that I was going to be okay here.
Great to here that. How did the program allow you to develop professionally?
I am a senior associate working within the State Street Alpha business unit on the Digital Experience and Strategy team. Although this is my first rotation at State Street, I already enjoy what I do. I find it great because I am allowed the opportunity to explore project management, while being able to incorporate marketing skills I learned from past experiences. In my current role, it’s not only the work that I enjoy, but also collaborating and brainstorming as a team.
What do you value the most as being a part of State Street?
As an employee who presents multiple conflicting identities, it’s nice to know that I can enter my workspace and present my authentic myself. From my time so far, I have been surrounded by individuals who are consistently putting in an effort to make the company more inclusive for everyone.
Can you share any advice for someone beginning their career in finance or joining State Street?
It is okay if you do not know everything there is to know about finance. It is okay to come into this space with the knowledge you already have, as long as you are open to learning more as you go along.
About PDP at State Street
PDP incorporates specific training, professional development and rotational assignments across a variety of functions. Rotations are designed to provide hands-on experience in different roles and business activities to help program participants develop a comprehensive understanding of each business area and the overall industry. PDP extends over 24 months in EMEA and US, and 18 months in India. Participants are placed in our most meaningful and critical roles across the organization.
The program has several focus areas, supported by key business lines and functional teams globally. Each focus area and rotation is designed to provide key learning and growth opportunities within participating business lines or functional teams, along with a deeper understanding of State Street’s global business.
Are you ready to make your mark?
As a student, you can apply to one of our internships or, in some locations, to part-time opportunities. If you have already graduated or will soon, you can apply to one of the development programs or start regular full-time work in an entry-level position.
Learn more about early career opportunities in finance and technology at State Street here.
