Jonna Pechter - supporting youth financial knowledge and start of career

Head of Estonian Business Unit, Jonna Pechter is also actively sharing her financial and career knowledge to contribute for the next generation. We have heard about her lectures in schools and seen her actively posting on social media about investing, professional journey and challenges. In the office we often see her followed by some interns. We are proud of Jonna and truly believe that she is a role model both for Bigbankers but also for young people who soon will start their career. We asked from Jonna what motivates her to be this active and contribute to these topics.

How are you contributing to students financial literacy and internship opportunities?

I have been a economics teacher at a school for quite many years, also I am quite often invited to schools to talk about budgeting and money management for students from 3rd to 12th grade. I have also been invited to some companies to talk about the economy and investing – I think I have a very down-to-earth approach to these subjects, so it also adds value to adults. I usually participate also in Estonian Banking Union’s organized financial literacy month activities.

There are also some really cool events organized by Junior Achievement in Estonia such as „Work Shadowing Cown“ where they have students apply for shadowing a manager or some famous person and last year there was also a female-leaders special issue, where female students were matched with female leaders for work shadowing. They always contact leaders and I have always said yes to them, because for me this is just about sharing one day, but for a student this is an opportunity to learn and get new contacts and maybe one day they will come and work in Bigbank.

Can you share a memorable moment or feedback from meetings with youth?

One girl asked me how I, being a woman, reached the decision to become a manager, instead of devoting myself to my family. I laughed and said that I am happily married, have two children and I am very devoted to my family, but also to my work – as these are not mutually exclusive. At that moment I saw her life change. She later explained that she honestly thought that you should choose either one or the other and she hadn’t yet decided which one she would want. The idea that you can have it all came as a complete surprise for her. I still remember it.

What suggestions would you give for someone who is just starting their career and looking for practical real-life experiences for work?

When starting a career, choose a job with a great direct manager. At the beginning, this makes all the difference. If you have someone who values and supports you, you develop your skills and you get more opportunities, also a much better recommendation. If you have a bad manager at the beginning, this will affect your self confidence and development opportunities.

How to keep developing yourself, not reaching the limit at some point?

There are limitless opportunities. I like reading and listening to books. The fact that it moves ahead with a slower pace, helps to think while you read and then apply the knowledge. Podcasts are also good, but as they move faster, it can happen that your own thoughts don’t catch up.

I think it is easy to motivate to develop yourself towards something you want to achieve. And when you have a motivating goal and you need some new knowledge to make it happen, you will find a way, guaranteed. You can reach the limit if you have too low goals.