SIPA Career Interview: Monica Song MPA ’19

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Monica Song has been working at Gemini, a cryptocurrency exchange, as a compliance associate for over a year. She is a certified anti-money laundering specialist and a certified cryptocurrency investigator who works extensively in the cryptocurrency and blockchain space. Next year, she will serve as the client contact for a Capstone workshop sponsored by her company. 

The following interview, part of a series conducted by Ahmad Jamal Wattoo MPA ’21 via email, has been condensed and edited for clarity.

What motivated you to apply to SIPA’s Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program? 

I used to work in the real estate and urban design and planning industries. Those professional experiences made me realize the profound influence of international finance and economic policy and built my interest to enter in an MPA program with a particular concentration in those fields. After learning about the MPA program at SIPA, I believed the multidisciplinary curriculum was perfect for my needs.

Additionally, New York is my favorite city and the heart of international diplomacy for the country—it’s the best place for professional practice opportunities. I knew that SIPA provided lots of workshops and emphasized leadership. I was confident that my experience would help me take advantage of opportunities to better prepare for the next stage in my career. I’ve genuinely enjoyed my work and life in New York City since. 

Which courses that you most enjoyed would you recommend to current SIPA students?

Microeconomics and macroeconomics, for sure. For a student who is interested in related fields, I would recommend International Banking, Reining in the Big Banks, International Finance & Monetary Theory, Threat Financing & Anti-Money Laundering, and Corporate Finance.

What do you recall about your experience in a Capstone workshop at SIPA? What did the project involve?

It’s one of my best memories from SIPA. I was on a team evaluating risk and regulation in digital currency, advised by Professor Annemarie McAvoy. She shared many of her connections with us, giving us clear guidance and practical advice on our research topics. Additionally, working with classmates from diverse professional backgrounds helped us think outside of the box and bring more creativity to the table. I believe this is the fundamental reason we produced a high-quality research paper.

What attracted you to the cryptocurrency and blockchain space? How would you compare it to other financial sectors, where you have previously worked?

All the evidence shows we are moving expeditiously toward a digital world. Everything surrounding us is going to be paperless, such as shopping receipts, bank statements, and money transfers. In the last two years, digital currency has caught the public’s attention since we can make payments on mobile devices. Cryptocurrency plays an essential role in building our future. 

Working for a fintech [financial technology] company provides me with more opportunities to get to know cutting-edge, innovative technologies. If you like challenges, you shouldn’t miss this industry. Since fintech firms are often startups, they provide more flexibility and efficiency than traditional financial-sector jobs.   

What made you choose to work at Gemini? What does an average workday look like in your department at Gemini?

When I was at SIPA, I noticed that many of my classmates were using Gemini to invest their cryptocurrency assets. In learning more about the company, I was attracted by the employees’ enthusiasm for their jobs, their professionalism, and the company culture. After working here for about a year, I still believe that to be true. At the beginning of the pandemic, I was impressed by how fast the company implemented the work-from-home policy to ensure everyone’s safety and wellness. In August, the company also encouraged everyone to take a half-day off each week to take care of ourselves and our families. We also have flexible unlimited paid time off. 

Compliance is the second line of defense for financial companies. The compliance department works hard to protect the company from potential defects and money laundering, ensure our company is in full compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and perform the industry's highest standard. I am working with a group of talented people who came from diverse industry backgrounds. Our skills are tailored to various aspects of our day-to-day work. I really enjoy my work and learned a lot from my colleagues.

Do you have any parting advice for SIPA students who are currently looking for internships and full-time positions at the organizations where you’ve worked?

First, setting your career goal is crucial. Time flies—students should take advantage of SIPA’s curriculum to pursue their dreams and enrich their knowledge in specific fields. 

Attempting different disciplines will also benefit you from a long-term perspective. A more interdisciplinary knowledge base can help you with problem-solving or challenging interview questions in the future. 

Finally, be willing to fail. As Bill Gates said: “Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose. You may find successes more enjoyable than failures, but it is the failures that will teach you the most and give you the best opportunities to grow.”