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Pinar Parlar

news published date 2 April 2016
  • Our Stories
“Role models are key for everyone”

Meeting professionals who do a vast range of different roles across the financial services is a key attraction for WIBF member Pinar Parlar. Director of UK credit sales at Royal Bank of Canada, Pinar joined WIBF in 2014 and she has twice made the shortlist in the Young Professional of the Year category in the annual Awards for Achievement.

Director of UK credit sales at Royal Bank of Canada, Pinar joined WIBF in 2014 and she has twice made the shortlist in the Young Professional of the Year category in the annual Awards for Achievement. As the London native reflects on WIBF networking events she has attended, the ability for personal and professional growth appeals. Particularly the chance to meet others who work in different roles in the industry.

“At WIBF events you meet people who also want to get something out of it. For me, it is really interesting to meet people from different roles. I am in front office – sales and trading – and I want to get to know people who work in different product areas. After all you never know when you will need to talk to someone in that area,” says Pinar, who has worked with the UK credit sales team since joining RBC’s graduate programme in 2008.

Next generation

WIBF’s events offering appeals to new graduates, mid-career as well as senior professionals. The WIBF Millienials project, tailored for newcomers to the industry, is essential, says Pinar, as it makes the organisation more attractive to a demographic that is influential and essential for ongoing success.

Have more than one role model

Role models are key for everyone, says Pinar, not just for juniors or only those working in financial services. She sees them as people to aspire to be like and adds that role models can encourage people to stand up for themselves and achieve their goals. Pinar says it is important to have several – within the industry and outside of it. “Don’t be stuck to just having one role model,” says Pinar, who no doubt is a role model herself. “People outside your firm or outside your industry are very valuable as they give a fresh look at the situation. You might not agree with the perspective but it is helpful to hear it.”

Awards matter

The WIBF annual Awards for Achievement is now a key event that women at RBC work towards, says Pinar. She has attended both as a guest and as a shortlisted nominee and takes something new away each time.