Women Who Reign: Iwona Chalus

Tell us about yourself along with a fun fact!
I have lived in three continents so far, but growing up I had spent most of my time in Warsaw, Poland. In Poland, when you apply to college, you are required to declare your major before the beginning of your freshman year. I’ve always been good with numbers and liked learning about new technologies, but I also enjoyed following the equity markets, and I wasn’t entirely settled on just one major. Coming to Yale gave me the freedom to explore my interests across different areas. Although I started out as an engineering major to address my passion for problem solving, I was able to take economics and sociology classes that I loved. It was great being able to branch out like that. A few weeks ago, I graduated from Yale University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and in Economics. After graduation, I moved to New York City to work full-time at Citigroup, where I had also interned last summer.

Favorite website / app:
Spotify. I use it all the time, both on my iPhone and my laptop. It makes discovering music so much easier.

What is your favorite time of day?
Very late night/early morning, when most other people are asleep. There is more of the world available for those who are still awake (or up early).

Someone who inspires you and knowledge they have imparted:
There are so many people I admire at my job — it would be impossible to choose just one. I have worked/interned for several great managers and I try to emulate the best qualities of each of them.

If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
*Not* tell anyone that I won.

What knowledge would you impart to women in order for them to REIGN their lives?
No matter what field you are trying to conquer, at some stage you are bound to encounter tough situations or difficult personalities. Embrace these challenges, stay committed to your goals, and keep moving forward. The journey into the unknown will do you wonders.

What is your five-year goal? 10-year? Overall career?
I was recently accepted into the MBA Program at the Yale School of Management, which I deferred to gain more business experience before going back to the classroom. I strongly believe in the alliance between business and society and, as I advance my skills, I will become an asset in continuing to bring these groups together. Ten years from now, I want to look back on my career and be proud of my work and its impact on society.