Andreya Merkova: A Rising Star in Finance

The Journey Begins

What sparked your interest in finance, and how did you decide to pursue this career path?

I've always been fascinated by how money moves around the world. I find it intriguing how markets react and how economies shift. Financial decisions impact everything from businesses to everyday life. Ever since high school, I’ve been good with numbers. I realised early on that I enjoy working with data and solving problems. Finance felt like the perfect fit for me. It’s dynamic, challenging, and constantly evolving. It’s not just about crunching numbers; it’s about understanding the bigger picture and making smart decisions. That’s what drew me in and made me want to pursue this career.

Embracing Diversity in the Workplace

How does it feel to start your career at Paysafe, working in a team where five different generations collaborate?

It was a bit overwhelming at first. I’d never worked in such a big company before. Suddenly, I was meeting tons of new people, trying to remember names, and dealing with that wave of social anxiety. You’re surrounded by people with much more experience, and for a moment, you think: wait, do I even belong here? But then your new colleagues start chatting with you. They ask about your background, crack jokes, and make you feel welcome. That’s when the nerves start to calm down. You realise you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

Fresh Perspectives in the Workplace

What do you think are the biggest strengths and fresh perspectives that young people bring to the workplace today?

I’d say I bring a fresh perspective to the team. Starting out, I was full of ideas and excited to share them. The best part is, people actually listen and support them. It’s motivating to be in an environment where your input is valued, even when you’re just starting out. I also like to think I bring a bit of fun to the team. I’m always cracking jokes, teaching everyone the latest Gen Z slang, and in return, they introduce me to classic movies I’ve somehow never heard of! It’s a great balance of learning, growing, and enjoying the people you work with.

Learning from Experience

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from more experienced colleagues?

It’s okay to make mistakes, as long as you are willing to learn from them. There were times when I made mistakes, and of course, I felt a bit down about it. I’d start to panic and feel like my experience wasn’t enough to be a valuable asset to the team. But my colleagues would come up to me and reassure me that it’s normal to make mistakes. They reminded me that I’m learning and that nobody is born ready. What mattered most was that I was trying my best. They would sit with me and help me find a solution. Even though I was panicking, as I am sort of a perfectionist, those memories are the ones I cherish the most to this day.

Building a Supportive Network

What has been the biggest challenge and the most valuable lesson you’ve learned so far in your role as a Junior Financial Analyst?

The most important thing I learned is to surround myself with good people. My colleagues are a great example of this. I was anxious about the people I’d be meeting and working with on this career journey. To be honest, I never expected that my colleagues would become such an inspiration to me. Every day I come to the office, I have warm chats and feel constantly supported. I know I can always come to them when I need help or emotional support. This made my whole experience awesome and filled with positive emotions. Being surrounded by people like that makes my job easier. When I first read the question, I didn’t know what to write because I had never really experienced any hardships during my time as a Junior Financial Analyst. However, I realise that’s because I have a team that always has my back. I wish everyone would be so lucky, because I honestly don’t think I would have done it so well without this amazing team.

Empowering Young Women in Business

What advice would you give to other young people — especially young women — who might think they are “too young” for the business world?

You are never “too young” to start working on yourself. You are never “too young” to begin building your future. You can do anything you set your mind to. Young women are no exception. Don’t give up just because you think you are not fit for a certain role. It takes courage at first to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. As you already know, "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take".

Conclusion

In conclusion, Andreya's journey at Paysafe highlights the importance of support, learning, and the value of fresh perspectives in the workplace. Her experiences remind us that youth is not a limitation but an opportunity for growth and contribution. By embracing challenges and learning from mistakes, we can all carve out our own paths in the tech industry. Let's continue to support one another and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.