Mover & Shaker: Josephine Shin, Senior Vice President and High Yield Portfolio Manager, Senior Research Analyst, Alcentra, a BNY Mellon Investment Management boutique

“Never lose your initial curiosity to learn,” advises Josephine Shin. “Stay engaged, and get outside of your comfort zone because that’s when you learn.”

Shin’s curiosity is what led her to a somewhat alternative path in the finance industry. At the University of Pennsylvania she pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women’s Studies and Sociology, rather than the finance degree that was so prevalent.

But then upon graduation, she found herself surrounded by people asking how she was going to parlay that course of study into a career.

“There were doubts from peers about my choices, but I think it was the best path I could have taken. I got to spend those four years studying something of interest, communicating and formulating my own views even if they were out of consensus, being challenged by others and at the same time staying open to new ideas. Now I am putting those skillsets to work every day professionally and pursuing a profession that I truly enjoy. Shin said. She believes that spending those early years questioning and debating with an open mind allows her to bring a different perspective and to find value in places that may be overlooked.

With an interest in both quantitative and qualitative aspects, Shin joined an investment management company as a fixed income credit analyst. She describes it as an intense time to jump in as everyone was dealing with the effects of the “tech bubble” and 9/11, but a time where she learned valuable skills especially because bottoms-up fundamental analysis of credit was in such high demand. Though the firm she was working for was one where most people tended to stay “for life,” she yearned to be in the heart of New York and, ultimately, moved to work for another firm in a more senior role.

After several years, Shin went to work with a former colleague, but a year later, Lehman Brothers imploded and a majority of her team was dismantled within two weeks. That experience had a profound effect on her. “My comfort zone was shaken. That made me realize that I had gotten too comfortable and started to identify myself with where I work and what I do professionally,” she said. “That’s when I realized that I love what I do but that shouldn’t define who I am,” a lesson that has helped her throughout her career and personal life.

At that point, she decided to return to her roots in investment management and joined Alcentra, part of BNY Mellon, where she’s been for more than six years.

Paving Her Own Path

Shin says the career achievement she’s proudest of is her overall resilience in the face of naysayers and forging her own path even if it meant not following the most conventional options. From the major she pursued, to her desire to move from a comfortable job to New York, she has questioned taking at face value what the majority told her was “the right thing,” in favor of what was the right thing for her. “I listened to myself, and then spoke up to negotiate what I wanted.”

And throughout her career, she has appreciated the path she chose. “I’m in the perfect job for me; you have to be quick and nimble to act, yet have a strong fundamental view because every day there is something new about companies that I’m investing in.” She relishes her new role of portfolio management and the global platform the firm offers because it gives her a strong vantage point to integrate micro and macro data into innovative ideas for her clients.

Shin naturally gravitates toward mentors who share her affinity for making their voice heard, and her professional role models embody that quality at the highest level. She says, “If you find a mentor or sponsor in your workplace who takes time to give you honest feedback on how you can continue to grow in your career without plateauing, appreciate that gift because it is rare. It’s how we grow. Also, stay humble and ask for honest feedback. I have that in my current job and it’s been hugely inspirational for me.”

One of Shin’s early influences is Betty Friedan, whose work helped shape her belief in the importance of challenging the consensus view. “To be an outperformer in this business, it’s vital to have your own voice and thoughts,” Shin said.

She also named Judith Rodin, the first women president of an Ivy League university. Rodin was president while Shin attended Penn. “She is an inspiration to me because she not only relishes in her success, but does not shy away from mistakes or moments of failure in her career and life. I respect that humble dichotomy. She’s a great role model.”

Building Bonds

Shin has been involved in WIN (Women’s Initiative Network), a resource for the professional development and advancement of women at BNY Mellon. She also participates in the Penn Alumnae Women’s group. Her participation with both organizations underscores her belief in the importance of continuing to cultivate a robust network. She has experienced firsthand how the industry can change fast and that it’s vital to have a network already set up.

At the same time, she is cognizant of the fact that when you are employed, it’s compassionate to take a moment to help out others since you never know when you will need support. She especially believes in giving opportunities to women who might not have cookie cutter backgrounds, because they bring a different perspective that can enhance any organization or team.

Shin says she is grateful for her family’s support system. Naming her husband as her biggest supporter, she is also very close to her brother, mother and extended family. On the home front, Shin has a two-and-a-half year old daughter, whom she says is not only the apple of her eye, but makes her a more compassionate and well-rounded person. “I used to take for granted those days I could work into the wee hours at night, but now I have a better understanding of other working mothers. On the other hand, my efficiency has become incredible.”

By Cathie Ericson