In following up on my comments above, this is not a man vs. woman field. Men just happen to make up the majority of the participants and it can be intimidating, but they are acting like any majority, they see others like themselves. Young women should be clear over and over as to where they are going. There are many, many fine men and women who will help young women advance, just simply don't think someone will advance you just because you are a hard worker. Be willing to take on a new job even if you don't have the skills yet. Men develop and expect to develop there skills on the job. You do not have to be good at something before you take a position at a more advanced skill level. When I asked to be made an equity analyst, my boss told me "well I guess we'll see if you will sink or swim" - - - the men, of course, would never have been told this. When it was time for promotions, I was given a jar of candy for my excellent performance as a sell-side analyst, the men were promoted with TITLES. I made waves, received a title, became a CFA Charterholder and after 10 years on the Sell-Side/Equity Analyst & Portfolio Manager, went on to manage billions of dollars, mutual funds and other on the buy side for five years as an Investment Trust Officer/Senior Security Analyst, etc. Then because I knew I would have to move to another city to advance I started my own Registered Investment Advisor and grew it to a large practice/RIA today. And to think my high school counselor told my parents I "just wasn't college material". Finance is a wonderful field for women as it is something that can take you in many different directions. If you are a young woman, know that you do have what it takes if you are interested in the field of Finance. Do not let self doubt hold you back.