Maricarmen Martínez

Professional development has been Maricarmen’s primary goal since beginning her studies at IE University. Keeping her eyes on the target, she has worked hard to learn the fundamentals that have already come in handy in her professional life. Her deep understanding of the financial and banking sectors, as well as her innate ability to build strong networks in various sectors, have transformed Maricarmen into an unstoppable force.

She has participated in numerous IE University initiatives over the last two years—from networking and recruitment events to professional development programs. In the summer of 2021, Maricarmen began accumulating real-world experience through an internship with Scotiabank in Chile, specifically collaborating with its investment banking arm. Thanks to them, she was exposed to some of the most relevant products and teams in the industry. Maricarmen admits that experiences like these have helped her better understand how to pursue internship opportunities in banking.

To prepare herself for recruitment season, Maricarmen knew that she had to become more familiar with key players and business areas within the sector. Part of this process involved networking with industry professionals, especially those working in companies she had applied to. Furthermore, she has always kept her resume and cover letters up-to-date. After all, you never know when an opportunity will strike! This go-getter attitude helped her gain valuable insight and perspective.

The current summer internship has been a professional game-changer for Maricarmen. She first learned about the internship opportunity through the company’s website. According to her, the application process that followed was well-defined, in line with the standards followed by leading financial institutions globally.

Now at TD Securities, she has joined an experienced team of professionals in the Asset Securitization Group. Together, they’re responsible for the organization and structuring of security products at the company. Every day, she arrives at the office, eager to learn something new and support the team in various deals or tasks. It has also given her the opportunity to meet professionals within the company and learn more about the banking industry.

This ambitious Canadian student says that the internship will allow her to gain invaluable hands-on experience across TD Securities and its various branches. Maricarmen opines that this will provide the perfect chance to better understand the finance industry, build crucial career skills and broaden both her professional and personal networks.

Of course, Maricarmen has some advice to share with others applying for internship opportunities. More than just building the strong technical skills necessary for your career, she says that it’s critical to develop your network. Based on Maricarmen’s passion for networking, she stresses the importance of building relationships with professionals who can offer insight into both the sector and company of interest.

She believes that her experience working with the Talent & Careers Department at IE University was vital in helping her secure this position. In her opinion, the team “can provide great support from the beginning of your university career and throughout your studies.”

Maricarmen is also an active part of the extracurricular scene at IE University. Since her first year, she has been part of the IE Consulting Club Board. This has provided her with the chance to learn more about consulting, all while enjoying various mentorship opportunities. Maricarmen was recently elected as the president of the IE Consulting Club, so she’s looking forward to making a long-lasting impact through this role. Aligned with the club’s values, she’s excited to learn and deliver, not only for her team, but the IE University community as a whole.

Additionally, Maricarmen became an ambassador for the Women in Business Club last semester. She is slated to begin her new role as the Outreach Coordinator in September 2022. In working with this team, her goal is to build a strong community and provide students with unique opportunities, all while planning and delivering valuable events.