Lauren Simmons

Lauren Simmons made headlines earlier this year after becoming the youngest and only full-time female trader on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. She’s also the only African-American woman on the floor. The Georgia native moved to New York City after graduating from Kennesaw State University.
Refusing to be discouraged, she continued to network, attending a ton of events and cold-calling dozens of people for opportunities. She eventually met the equity-trading expert who would introduce her to the NYSE.
Simmons shares how she landed her job and describes her typical day on Wall Street to Senior News Editor Maya Pope-Chappell for the #HowIGotHere series, which highlights professionals with unique stories to tell about their paths to success.
How has networking helped you? What are your networking secrets? Share in the comments below! #LinkedInFinance #LinkedInVideo

[@cindychavez2488]

Currently studying finance and my biggest fear is rejection in this male dominated field. This however has given me much inspiration 🙏🏻

[@Y_Canada]

Girl, don't worry. I'm not working on Wall Street, but I'm a financier at a bank. It is NOT a male-dominated field. When it comes to trading - sure, maybe. But in most finance fields/directions it's not. The ratio of men to women may not be 50/50, but I usually encounter 60/40. You'll be golden. Good luck to you!

[@MsJanise2008]

You got this... keep going sis!

[@PaolaHuezo]

Good luck!! I just graduated in finance last weekend & I been working in institutional banking for over a year now, I’ll be shadowing our investment banking department when we get back to normal & taking my SIE exams for the series 7 & 63 because I really want to get into trading. I’m very dominant and I fit the criteria’s to be aggressive, financially passionate, quick, etc. It’s not a gender role, it’s what you can bring. Go watch Jordan Peterson, May give you a different perspective on life and equality of outcome.

[@LAWoman323213]

Do it! Don’t allow yourself to feel intimidated

[@MJ-qh4gn]

you can do it! failure is the best place for everyone to learn from!! you will go far I'm sure wishing you all the best!!

[@emmalisatilli9784]

She’s absolutely BEAUTIFUL

[@MrSupernova111]

Yes, I'm sure that's the only reason they hired her because without a business degree or relevant professional background there is no other reason why they should have hired her instead of the 100s of thousands of business students that graduate each year. To top if off she quit the industry within two years. What a joke!

[@Sinnerxxs4385]

Supernova The anger.. oh my gosh

[@MrSupernova111]

@@Sinnerxxs4385 . Not really. I hear she's now a keynote speaker based on her vast experience working at Six Flags and the few months she spent looking at transaction invoices at the NYSE floor. You sound like you are in her target audience.

[@dannynisk6960]

Shut your sorry gay ass up all ways complaining

[@faisalrajah3811]

you mean UGLY??

[@cellylozwe4853]

Wow. She didn't even go to a IVY LEAGUE.

[@rithvikgujjula1400]

Because NYSE floor traders aren't usually ivy league grads. Most of the ivy league grads go to become analysts at the big banks. But unfortunately her job is becoming obsolete as robots start trading and regular people in general start trading from their phones.

[@MrSupernova111]

@@rithvikgujjula1400 Yep. I got into the industry thinking I was going to do some kind of analysis and exciting problem solving and what I found out is that the industry is overflowing with snake oil salespeople and the rest of the jobs are boring copy and paste jobs. Most jobs not related to sales will probably be automated soon. Banking and asset management are very old industries and I should have known better. I can't wait to get a graduate degree and GTFO. I would advise anyone to stay away from the industry unless you're a snake oil salesperson in which case shame on you.

[@rithvikgujjula1400]

@@MrSupernova111 yeah, what graduate degree are you doing? Ik quants are in demand

[@MrSupernova111]

@@rithvikgujjula1400 . That's exactly what I want to do. I have a minor in statistics and I want to get a graduate degree in either statistics or math. I thought about financial engineering but they are just glorified mathematicians. Finance you can learn as you go but the math is the hard part. Your average graduate with math or stats degrees make over 6 figures and do more exciting work than balancing rich people's money.

[@rithvikgujjula1400]

@@MrSupernova111 Thats cool!

[@reneiloesongo4224]

Its possible black child!!!! Thankyou Lauren for leading by example and paving the way. ❤️

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@grapevinenewz]

Damn Rare! Lauren is so impressive, poised, focused So glad I ran across this video - sending positive vibes your way- Ring the Bell Lauren😊

[@Nurse.ifeoma]

This is so inspirational!! You go girl!!!! Breaking standards and making new ones!! Literally so motivational!!!

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@tonyreid3188]

WE ARE ALL VERY PROUD OF YOU SIS!!!

[@Bloombaby99]

We're rooting for you! Get it girl! 💪🏾👏🏾

[@iamme50]

She gave me incredible goosebumps! Bravo! Bravo! I'm so proud of her! ATL!!!

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@moonshadow941]

This is echoed across all STEM careers. I graduated with a Comp Sci and Math degree and im trying to navigate myself into a financial analysis career and its very intimidating being a minority and a woman. She's inspirational to watch

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@kyblit]

@@laurensimmons2400 Bot 🤖

[@leahred5047]

Just me realized that Linkedin has a youtube account?

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@WORLDWIDE1131]

Wishing you continued success and support as you conquer the world.

[@HaydenHKD]

Lauren! it’s adam hayden, i am so happy for you and very impressed. No different then the moment i met you! hope to see you soon

[@andreachaverra4713]

Smart, very very smart girl They did not pick you for your skin color to bring diversity, they did not pick you for your age, or your Beuty. They saw a genius lady. Keep up the hard work👍🏼

[@laurawharton2836]

Keep it up girl! You’re such an inspiration!

[@MrSupernova111]

She quit the industry in less than two years. What a joke!

[@searphhoney]

@@MrSupernova111 Not a joke at all. Too many people stay in industries & jobs that they don't like. I personally find inspiration in people who aren't afraid to leave jobs or careers, so that they can pursue other things. She got where she was because she didn't let fear stop her. She moved on, because she didn't let fear stop her.

[@MrSupernova111]

@@searphhoney . She got where she got because she came from an affluent family. Don't confuse merit with privilege.

[@evelyndovale8544]

True inspiration. I wanna cry!

[@MrSupernova111]

She quit the industry in less than two years. What a joke!

[@amakaonyeka7996]

@@MrSupernova111 Oh, hush with this negativity you're spreading. I've seen your comments everywhere and it's irritating. Why are you so salty? We know she quit after a short time because she found something she was more passionate about. That doesn't mean she didn't pass the tough entry exam the others did because she certainly aced the exam despite not studying a major course for it. That's what we focus on. If you're determined to get something, you'll get it. She got in where others failed and had more certificates than her. That's what is inspiring. I quit Civil Engineering where I was excelling to do Mechatronic Engineering where I'm also excelling. Some people will say I quit because I couldn't handle it or call me a joke like you've been calling her. That's unfair and a lie. I quit because my plan changed. I'll be doing a joint Mechatronic Engineering and Computer Science majors degree. Then, head back to Civil and finish with a joint master's in Structural engineering and robotics. The end goal is to create innovative structures and equipment only dreamt of or envisioned in sci-fi movies. I've actually started one I can't speak about but I digress! Sorry. I'm trying to say that quitting a place isn't always giving up. It could be finding something better like her case or mine. In this same fashion, she might have a changed plan with the same big goal waiting at the end for her. So, stop focusing on the fact that she quit. To walk away from something like this, you must be walking towards something better or more worthwhile. Besides, robots and algorithms will wipe them out in the next ten years. So, it's good she's moving ahead. The destination is what matters not the length of the trip or the stops you make in-between. So, quit your negativity.

[@MrSupernova111]

Amaka Onyeka . I’m all for moving forward. Your change in careers is minor compared to changing from biology to finance - completely different fields. There is nothing inspiring to me about favoritism and nepotism which are the only reasons she got that job. How in the world is she more qualified than the thousands of people that graduate with finance degrees? Then she blows it off to become a keynote speaker?? Ridiculous.

[@sumitp7397]

Ok

[@stockmarketbullishorbearis400]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoDFmoNoZa1knJo

[@jeremy339]

Motivating and Inspiring.

[@MrSupernova111]

She quit the industry in less than two years. What a joke!

[@yesbesorry2775]

@@MrSupernova111 really?

[@MrSupernova111]

@@yesbesorry2775 . Look up her linkedin account if he hasn't been edited yet. She worked part time at Six Flags then got this job and now she's a keynote speaker for us lessers mortals that weren't born with a silver spoon in our mouths. People confuse affluence with personal drive.

[@stockmarketbullishorbearis400]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoDFmoNoZa1knJo

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@luvjoypeace4901]

She is ver brave and making history. So proud of this young lady. Bless the guys who take time to teach her the ropes and not intimidate her. 👍

[@heartlesswoman1904]

Girl, you’re gonna be a billionaire owning your own company in ten years!!! 😇

[@iamme50]

Exactly!

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@Salamander407]

Ugh she only made 12000. Lol!! Tough business !!!!

[@kyblit]

🧢🧢🧢

[@shawnmcmahon3847]

So proud of you make that money girl!

[@codymist8812]

so good to see something like this. It should inspire younger blk girls , as we have 2 many inspiring 2 be gossip bloggers and ig models.

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@elvirajameson3753]

Both avenues pay well. A very smart black girl would do both.

[@TyHardNeNe]

Or KZbinrs

[@TheErasec]

Lauren story is great. She has an open mind that will take her far. Go on girl, kick those asses in the pit, and most of all, take their money. Get it!

[@vanessawhyte6856]

I'm so happy I came across this video. I needed this🙂

[@crescenciowilson4214]

She deserves a movie

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@KhaoticKim]

So proud of her! Shes amazing!

[@LockinProfits]

she's so strong, such an amazing person

[@RichardESears]

Very Inspiring Words Miss Lauren Of Wise Words From Your Mothers Teaching you to push yourself & go for the gusto.... And Thank You Linkedin Editors For This Video!!

[@Moonz-]

Amazing Real Women! I wish her the best!

[@tanyabrown6969]

Good advice from mom!

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@TheMisslily21]

Wow she’s amazing!! Go Lauren!!

[@victoria-qq4jr]

So proud of her

[@evelynbaitz2732]

Wow how empowering to see it happens, congrats.

[@isabelaloc1953]

Congrats! You did it!

[@Queenbelieveit]

AWESOME!!!!

[@dezinechic]

love her!

[@ChinkyKkeepwalkingaslifegoeson]

More power to us, so inspired thanks

[@mizzpeggysue]

Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@queenking1230]

Omg I just admire her sooo much

[@ask56789]

Cool..i love this girl.

[@sg0272]

Wow! Great story and beautiful young lady. 😉👏

[@rachelcruz9515]

This woman is an inspiration! Smart, educated and beautiful

[@chanman7815]

Wish you the best,

[@somozamaria]

Beautiful and smart great combo

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@warnacreamadeicecreamskool6305]

Beauty, brain, brave, brilliant.

[@rebirthed1274]

She is GORGEOUS ,just to begin with

[@frankengan6019]

Inspiration

[@cutici]

AWESOME!!!🤗

[@stasiabri4196]

Love you Lauren.

[@ryanbac8289]

a fellow KSU Owl. she inspires me so much 💛🙌🏻

[@MrSupernova111]

She quit the industry in less than two years. What a joke!

[@expressyourself2591]

I still don’t get how she got there

[@expressyourself2591]

Elyse George thank you for the info :)

[@nn-xm8lz]

she simply found one company that gave her a shot. No knock on her accomplishment but floor traders now arent what they used to be. They are being phased out and dont require as much skill and seasoning as before as much of todays day trading is occurring behind algos and smart money firms filled with analysts with MBAs from top 20 schools who dont set foot on the trading floor.

[@GuyLogen]

She kept on pushing forward for opportunities. Regardless of if she believed in herself or had doubts, she made sure to always keep pushing forward. She got rejected by from many jobs and reached out to about 100 people on LinkedIn and finally someone introduced her to the trading world.

[@rtp1968]

Jealous much!!!

[@expressyourself2591]

rtp1968 nope ! I just wanted to hear more details 🤣

[@accidentsafe]

She is Earth shattering gorgeous!!!

[@Ovulations]

She’s so cuuuteeeee

[@alonzobates348]

She is very beautiful and seems to have an amazing soul ❤️🙌🏽

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@alonzobates348]

@@laurensimmons2400 wow, thanks for the reply, but pretty hilarious that I’m a day trading as well, very well-open minded trader. I wouldn’t mind learning from someone who works in institutions, maybe I’ll learn some new things, I will definitely get in contact with you

[@laurensimmons2400]

@@alonzobates348 sure let me have your what’s app number,I’ll text you right away

[@alonzobates348]

@@laurensimmons2400 [phone]

[@alonzobates348]

@@laurensimmons2400 I also use telegram more, if you have telegram that would be a better way to contact me

[@Iwish387]

Where do I apply? I know nothing about finance except that I took an accounting class lol.

[@dr.tanakadune7726]

She is so cool!!

[@TyHardNeNe]

Ah-mazing! I majored in Finance and still don’t understand trading 😂

[@protection7063]

I can’t believe it. I’ve only just decided that I want to work on wall street only to find that she’s the ONLY woman!!! Unbelievable!!!

[@tonytslawncareoffloridal.l8959]

Boss queen 👑🔥

[@strandgirl1000]

Die Versinnbildlichung - das Mädchen gegen den Stier! Sie ist verdammt cool! Und das muss Mann/Frau auch sein an der Börse!

[@laurensimmons2400]

Thanks for sharing your comment ❤️,Do well to reach me on this mail, we definitely can work something out,I’m going to be teaching or taking you on the basic tips on how you can trade yourself

[@whowantstoknow7825]

👏 Amazing 👏

[@marbledfashion9616]

I idol her 😍.

[@betterourselves]

Good job

[@abdullahshafi8865]

inspiring !!!! someone who studies a lot i have never got a job no matter how hard i try 1 year older having knowledge in multiple fields strict study schedule time managemnet all that but i guess for some people life is always terrible

[@kyreefelton442]

We studied in college together. Small world

[@mariezforbes]

❤️❤️❤️

[@emmalisatilli9784]

AMAZING GIRL BOSS

[@brandonvillatuya9539]

2:01 wait is that part from New York? It looks like a Chicago commodity trading pit.

[@sherlynfernandes8864]

Miss Chicago west

[@natalieperez2341]

Ima work with her later on

[@shivasangade6443]

Very Nice😘😘

[@cardion411]

Boss

[@beesnees3070]

Haha Leo woman! Mines is 8/7

[@gidinationsyounglived500]

Somebody link me with her..

[@arpandrozario7959]

I am not a creepy simp, but she is so beautiful!

[@nhily4757]

I love youuuuuu

[@fredriknakale1638]

What did you do at 21?

[@jaswantbisht1746]

Beauty with brain

[@MsXenyy1]

I hope everything is okay with her!

[@skywalker6648]

Unfortunately, she doesn't even work in the industry no more so that was awfully quick considering she said numbers was her passion. Regardless, I'll be looking out for her future endeavors!

[@codymist8812]

even so she made history. 1yr and 8 months still impactful

[@cburrell927]

How you know that she doesn't work there anymore

[@skywalker6648]

@@cburrell927 She said it. I was also surprised. Oh, well.

[@skywalker6648]

@Emmanè Butter According to her linkedin page, she travels around as a freelance keynote speaker. Though she also mentioned working for some kind of foundation for a short time. That's it.

[@skywalker6648]

@@cburrell927 Also, on her linkedin page. She only worked there for 1yr and 10 months, lol.

[@LaniLongGreen]

I want more detail on how she got to the floor and got the job after meeting said gentleman….

[@janetheobscure3426]

8:30 pm sept 18 2020

[@hanagazeluna4761]

i hope forbes would notice her

[@Iwish387]

I took accounting and I failed it lol just because I didn’t really care about that degree.

[@theneophytejournal]

shawty mad fly

[@andreajosvai7435]

She is cute :)))

[@grmbyn1]

Like

[@elvirajameson3753]

Who are the people yelling at???

[@chrissydnor1602]

nice red jacket

[@chemicalbromance1911]

My nightmare job.

[@kora4185]

Haha same, I get stressed out just watching it.

[@xenaprincess3144]

Gotta love that affirmative action❤️🙏🏾

[@samuel.patrick.grace779]

My broker shared one nyse link and asked me to send her money, but now she's blackmailing me to pay money to her, and she's not giving me the process to close the demat account, what should I do, can anyone pls help me.

[@Yamanhitle]

She just made an update video. She's now earning over 600k.

[@hello4hire]

She is not a trader don’t be,ev everything you watch .... she’s more like admin for a major broker walking around the trading floor checking prices etc

[@charlesdinero]

She "lied" about her major?

[@cardion411]

Lol. That's what you got from this? God bless you.

[@G.O.A.T555]

cd that’s really the only thing you got from this 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@charlesdinero]

@@G.O.A.T555 Yes, because I already knew everything else. And in light of the recent college admission scandal let's not pretend people arent having candid conversations about the things people do and lie about to get ahead

[@SaffariRose]

She has a degree in genetics with some minor background in statistics. She said she lied about the statistics part being her major. So it's not really overblown.

[@stockmarketbullishorbearis400]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoDFmoNoZa1knJo

[@rishabhtyagi7369]

How do you get Hersheys from target, you go there, and pay for it. You just have to pay for the license and get it, become a broker. Idk what they wanna sell?? What she wanna sell, black, minority.... Bullshit.

[@peanutbutter7521]

i hope shes CHOOSING to wear heels and a dress while working because God knows how inconvenient that is

[@yakkyuu12]

TOO bad, she is MORE than a day late a MORE than a dollar short!! The traders on the floor are basically a "dog and pony show", the yelling and screaming you SEE ON THIS VIDEO is EDITED --- INTO the video!! I DARE ANYONE to go to the NYSE EXCHANGE--- ANY trader LEFT there will tell you--- "this floor is a SHELL of what it REALLY used to be"!! The big trading, the REAL big money is ALL done over fiber networks, who can get their server closer than the other high speed companies!! This is the TRUTH--- the ONLY TRUTH!! This video is a joke and so keep going there girl-- as we EAT YOUR LUNCH--- EVERY DAY!! This TRUTH-- is brought to you by the REAL high speed networks located in Jersey and ALL of us SITTING at our computers, doing what you SHOULD be doing!! Your position at you at the floor ---- has BEEN OBSOLETE for NO LESS than 8 to 10 years!! You are welcome -- for the TRUTH!

[@annajones9701]

What type of discrimination did you face?

[@TT0ny_]

She's not a Trader. Maybe an assistant.

[@lisamuyambo8576]

Antonio Joke ?

[@MrSupernova111]

Someone with no relevant work experience gets Wall Street job that requires 10 years of experience. Shocker.

[@stasiabri4196]

Yeah, clearly those white men were trying to smash or something, lmfaoo. That’s what happen when you are pretty as hell, #prettyprivillege

[@MrSupernova111]

Stasia Bri . I think you mean those older white men. But whatever. My issue is not with her appearance or her suitors.

[@abhilashaa2799]

@@stasiabri4196 you sound hella insecure

[@stasiabri4196]

Abhilasha how am I insecure if I’m basically calling another girl pretty, and relating when it comes to getting certain privileges for just being pretty myself, allegedly.

[@michaelrandall09]

Stasia Bri lmao bitch shutup