Natalya Michaels W’98

What did you study at Penn and when did you graduate? 

I graduated from Wharton in ‘98 with concentrations in finance and marketing.

What do you do now and where are you based? / What past positions have you held?

I handle investor relations and marketing at an asset management firm, MidOcean Partners, based in New York. I started my career in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in NYC where I worked for 10 years, first as an analyst in mergers and acquisitions, then in their private equity business and industrials divisions respectively in London, then spent my last six years in NYC working in industrials. Subsequently, I switched to Eton Park, a multi-strategy hedge fund, where I managed investor relations for nine years, then Artisan Partners, and now MidOcean Partners.

What motivated you to switch from investment banking to investor relations?

It was difficult to balance a family with investment banking. Investor relations is similar to IB in that you are talking to people and need to be willing to make cold calls and reach out. In IB, customers are companies whereas in asset management marketing customers are investors.

What were you involved with as an undergraduate?

One of the things I enjoyed most was MGMT 100 (aka Wharton 101) where I served as a TA my sophomore through senior year, working with students, team building, and coaching. The community of TAs was wonderful and I got so much out of the experience. A professor I TA'ed for recommended me for a scholarship/internship program the summer after my sophomore year, and I ended up working full time that summer at Smith Barney, an IB firm, where my boss became a lifelong mentor.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career?

Working at Artisan Partners because the PM was challenging to work with. I held my other roles for about ten years each and was there for only one and a half years. Life is too short. I left and found a role at MidOcean Partners. 

How has being a woman affected your career trajectory, if it has?

For most of my career, it has not had too much of an impact. It can be a good thing: during my time in banking when I was often the only woman in the room, people remembered me. Being a mom is tougher because the burden of childcare and taking maternity leave falls on women, but I think if handled properly those do not have a lasting impact on your career. 

There was only one place where I felt that women were treated differently than men. This firm's culture did not allow women who shared their opinions to grow in their careers the same way as men who spoke up for what they believed. It was the only time in my career where I felt like I was at a disadvantage.

What advice do you have for our members as they begin exploring careers and internships? 

First in college generally, take studies seriously, surround yourself with friends who are supportive, create good habits (study habits, health habits, fitness habits, etc), and have fun!

Job-wise, having confidence and having a presence is important. Try to eliminate the fear for something unknown: talk to as many people as you can and get as many mentors as you can. Don't be shy about asking people for their time or advice. Once you have an internship, no task is too small: do it, do it well, and do it with a smile. 

I found that women want to be 100% sure that what they are saying is accurate and precise before they speak whereas men will just talk. That is a skill I think women need to hone. Also, when you walk into a room, you have to take a seat at the table and put yourself in a position that makes you front and center. Make small talk so people know you have a voice and hear your voice. During meetings, ask a question, answer a question, or say something so you are not silent the entire time! Create a presence and exude confidence.

What’s your favorite place you’ve ever been?

My favorite place to visit was India because it was the most different and culturally rich place I have ever experienced.

Anything else you want to share?

Fun Fact: Natalya met her husband at Penn when they were both seniors.