Moody’s is a global integrated risk assessment firm that empowers organizations to make better decisions. Informed by more than 115 years of experience, they employ robust data and cutting-edge technology to help customers navigate the rapidly evolving and complex nature of risk.
Beyond these impressive credentials, Moody’s is a diverse and global organization with 41% women representation globally, including a leadership team that’s 50% women. For 12 consecutive years, Moody’s has been awarded a perfect score in the Corporate Equality Index and was listed in the Bloomberg Gender Equality Index for four straight years.
Moody’s commitment to championing gender equality in the workplace is undeniable, and their Costa Rica division is no exception. During our networking event, “Discover Moody’s Costa Rica,” we hosted MD Capability Center Global Head Alvaro Ulloa, Vice President of BI & Analytics Sofia Saborio, AVP Manager Brenda Rojas, and Assistant Director - Data Specialist Xing Huang who shared insights into their workplace culture.
Read on for our top takeaways from the conversation — including firsthand insights to help you decide if Moody’s is the right workplace for you.
Moody’s multifaceted approach
Alvaro first set the stage by explaining that Moody’s is an integrated risk assessment firm that empowers other organizations to anticipate, adapt, and thrive in the era of exponential risk. Moody’s business includes Moody’s Ratings, Research & Insights, Data & Information, and Decision Solutions. Moody’s integrated approach provides stakeholders with a comprehensive view on risk, helping them make better decisions and unlock risk.
The Costa Rica division is a strategic partner which has been providing multifunctional support to Moody’s since 2018. “We have more than 550 colleagues supporting over 20 lines of business across more than 50 different departments,” Alvaro explained. “When we talk about joining Moody's Costa Rican office, imagine being part of a team with over 25 different professions and more than 10 different nationalities.” Moody’s unites the brightest minds to turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Beyond business impact, Alvaro dove into a critical piece of the Moody’s talent experience — the company’s culture, which is rooted in belonging. Moody’s strives to create a place where everyone feels not only a sense of belonging, but also feels welcome to be themselves.
“One phrase that you'll hear often from our CEO Rob Fauber and from the leadership team at Moody’s is that we work to make Moody’s a place where people want to come, and then want to stay.”
Spotlight on professional development
Employee development is highly valued at Moody’s because it drives organizational success, fosters continuous learning, and enhances engagement.
“I was hired as part of the three-person group that was tasked with transitioning part of the Financial Planning & Analysis operation to Costa Rica,” Sofia recalled. “It was a very unique opportunity. Everything was new. I had the chance to build my teams from scratch, but at the same time, it was a little bit scary because I had no previous work experience in finance…. I was lucky to have a very supportive manager at the time who saw my potential.”
After nearly four years, Sofia transferred to the Data & Analytics team, another new function. She was assigned to build her team from scratch, again, and adopt a different skill set.
“As you might be able to tell from my story, there has not been any shortage of opportunities for development in my career.”
To help prepare team members for growth, Moody’s provides an online learning center, Moody’s University. Courses cover topics like learning a new language, sharpening your programming skills, and developing your leadership capabilities. Moody’s also offers annual tuition reimbursement of up to $2,500 annually.
Xing added how during yearly review discussions, she focuses on setting clear and attainable objectives with her direct reports. “I believe that one of the most important things about guiding and empowering your team members is to get to know them as individuals,” Xing said. “Learn about their career aspirations. What is it that drives and motivates them? And, also, help them discover their strengths.”
Collaborate with a global organization
Xing appreciates the rich array of viewpoints her colleagues offer.
“You get to learn from them — the different aspects of their culture and the way they work. You get to collaborate with people that have different perspectives. It broadens your horizon and helps you to start thinking outside of the box.”
Brenda illustrated this philosophy by walking us through a time she developed a rating transparency meeting presentation, a deck used to explain how an analyst rates their client’s performance. She was tasked with studying previous versions of the presentation to create one standard template that could be used globally.
“We gathered feedback from all the parties involved globally, and we developed new templates that met everyone's needs,” Brenda explained. “I think my favorite part was, since this was a global project, I got the opportunity to work and learn from many colleagues from different parts of the organization and around the world. It was a great opportunity to broaden my horizons, beyond my daily interactions.”
Nurturing a culture of inclusion
Moody’s is deeply committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, where every team member feels free to exchange ideas, innovate, and collaborate in meaningful ways.
“We have a high engagement score in Costa Rica, and this is thanks to the great culture that our local leaders have developed,” shared Alvaro. “They have put together great programs like Moody's Clubs and the engagement committee that coordinates activities to foster a sense of belonging through shared interests, both in and outside the office.
“We have people in a hiking club who’ve hiked the tallest mountain in Costa Rica. We have a club that is focused on reading and a chef club that gets together and shares recipes.”
Team members can also join business resource groups, a chance to connect with colleagues, shape business initiatives, and bring one’s authentic self to work.
Do it all, with balance
“Moody’s is a company that offers a lot of flexibility,” Sofia explained that Moody’s values work-life balance and shared some examples of the flexibility she has experienced.
She also explained how Moody’s offers “Summer Fridays,” an opportunity for team members to have flexibility to take half days on Fridays and make up this time over the course of their usual work hours during the week.
“You get the time off to relax, be with your family, and do the things that you like to do… [Managers] have taken a special interest in making sure our people are doing well and have a successful work-life balance.”
Brenda added how team members also receive four personal day per year, in addition to the allotted paid time-off for vacation, which can be used for anything from vacation time to a mental health break.
“If you like what you’ve heard so far,” Alvaro said, “we invite you to explore the open positions we have available in our Costa Rican site.” Ready? Turn today’s risks into tomorrow’s opportunities by finding your place with Moody’s.
To listen to the full conversation with Alvaro Ulloa, Sofia Saborio, Brenda Rojas, and Xing Huang, watch the networking event recording here.
And to explore all the global career opportunities with Moody’s, visit their job board here.
