Witad Awards 2024: Reference data professional of the year (end-user)—Ludmilla Morgunova, BNP Paribas

How long have you been working in the financial services industry?
Ludmilla Morgunova, Java developer on BNP Paribas’  Referential Data Platform: I have been working in the financial services since my graduation from university. I entered the industry 12 years ago.

How did you get into the industry? Was it a conscious decision or did you “fall” into it?
Morgunova: Getting into the IT industry was a conscious decision for me. Armed with a degree in mathematics, I always knew I wanted to be a software developer, utilizing my knowledge to its fullest potential. The financial industry presented itself as the perfect fit, aligning with my passion and career aspirations.

What does your day-to-day role entail?
Morgunova: I currently work as a developer of the Referential Data Platform, which provides a single API for all bank data consumers. Currently, my focus lies on the development of the UI application for the platform, which provides referential data presentation and administration tools. I participate in all stages of the application life cycle from a software engineer’s point of view.

What single project/piece of work are you most proud of during your career in the industry to date?
Morgunova: I take immense pride in my role in developing and supporting a high-loaded, fault-tolerant application for trading. This project played a pivotal role in shaping my growth and development as a specialist in the industry.

What are you currently working on and what makes it significant in the context of your position?
Morgunova: I’m working on the Referential Data Platform, which encapsulates a tremendous amount of structured and unstructured data with the goal to normalize and provide a single API for all bank data consumers. In particular, the UI application is used by BNP Paribas individuals worldwide and caters to diverse roles, including developers, quality assurance engineers, business stakeholders and production support teams. Understanding that my contributions are meaningful and valuable to the bank is of great significance to me.

To what extent were you helped during your career by a mentor/role model within the business?
Morgunova: Throughout my career, my colleagues have played a pivotal role in my professional development, offering guidance and support. Inasmuch as I didn’t have a formal mentor, the collaborative environment and the collective wisdom of my peers significantly contributed to my growth and success in the business.

What was the greatest obstacle you had to overcome during your career in the industry to date?
Morgunova: The most significant challenge in my career has been effectively combining work and family responsibilities. The additional hurdle of being a woman in the IT industry has added complexity. Overcoming these dual challenges has required resilience, time management and a commitment to push through gender barriers within the tech field.

I take immense pride in my role in developing and supporting a high-loaded, fault-tolerant application for trading. This project played a pivotal role in shaping my growth and development as a specialist in the industry

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far during your career?
Morgunova: The most valuable lesson I’ve learned during my career is the impermanence of the professional landscape. Embracing continuous learning, adaptability and openness to new opportunities has been crucial. Recognizing that change is constant has empowered me to evolve with the industry, fostering personal and professional growth.

What would you advise women just entering the industry?
Morgunova: For women entering the industry, my advice is to embrace continuous learning, seek mentorship, and be confident in your abilities. Don’t shy away from challenges. Instead, view them as opportunities for growth. Build a strong professional network and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. Your unique perspective and skills contribute valuable insights to the field—embrace your strengths and keep pushing boundaries.

What does this award mean to you?
Morgunova: Winning this award is a tremendous honor that affirms my commitment to excellence in the industry. This recognition not only validates my hard work but also serves as testament to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. I see this award as an opportunity to inspire and empower other women to pursue their passions in technology, contributing to a more diverse and innovative future.