Employee Profiles

Next profile: Andrew Stark

Susan Eilenberg, Securities Trading

How did you come to the D. E. Shaw group?

I studied psychology in college and interned at an executive search firm. After I graduated, a headhunter encouraged me to apply for a recruiting position at the D. E. Shaw group. Just the name of the group's recruiting department intrigued me: "Strategic Growth." I was excited to learn that they view recruiting as an intellectually intensive business development function.

Did the role meet your expectations?

Yes. During my first week, I met with managing directors to brainstorm about our upcoming on-campus recruiting season. I was surprised that senior management cared enough to play an important role in the recruiting process, at least until I learned that the firm really views its employees as its most important asset, and that hiring and maintaining top-tier talent is therefore the utmost priority. During the meeting, I was not only encouraged to participate, but was expected to add value to the discussion. This kind of environment, where recognition is based not on bureaucratic structure, but rather on idea generation and follow-through, motivated me to learn more and do more.

I met with employees from nearly every area of the firm, and I was struck by the overall quality of people who work here. The employees here are not only exceptionally intelligent and accomplished; they are driven, creative, and team-oriented (not to mention fun!). There is a mutual respect that exists between all colleagues, regardless of function, and because of this, it is easy to work together to get things done.

How has your career developed?

Early on, I was assigned to recruit traders. This posed a problem, because I didn't know what it meant to be a trader. Rather than tell me that it didn't matter (e.g. "Just look for finance on a resume") or rattle off a sentence or two about trading, my manager encouraged me to sit on our trading floor and learn first-hand. The traders were extremely helpful, and the more I learned, the more I realized that trading was what I wanted to do. My manager was supportive as I interviewed for trading positions within the firm, and when the right opportunity came along, I transitioned into proprietary trading.

My experiences as an entry-level trader mirrored my early days in Strategic Growth in that I was quickly immersed in what we do. I still work closely with my colleagues to analyze trade situations and determine the best ways to make and save money.

I really can't imagine a better place to learn, grow, and develop a career.