Through his work at Freddie Mac, Ash Sikander has uncovered his sense of purpose and found a way to have a positive impact on others. Ash, who participates in Freddie Mac’s Finance Analyst Rotation Program, has been able to pair opportunities for growth and inclusion with work that aligns with the company’s mission of Making Home Possible.
Ash, a South-Asian Muslim, was the first person in his family to go to college, attending George Mason University. He attributes his successful journey, in part, to the support he received from his family and community. He began his career search soon after his junior year of college, applying for jobs in the financial sector, and his early start helped him land a role sooner than most of his graduating class. He read about Freddie Mac’s analyst program and applied for a role within the finance rotational program, earning a spot with a start date shortly after he graduated.
“After applying, someone from Freddie Mac happened to come speak to my finance class. That engagement helped me realize I made the right decision to apply.”
We sat down with Ash to hear his story, how he’s growing his career in finance, and how he’s part of an inclusive culture at Freddie Mac.
Building new opportunities for students and recent graduates
Freddie Mac’s various rotational programs allow employees to move, or rotate, through different roles or divisions for a specific period. These programs help broaden skills and understanding by quickly exposing the participants to different areas of the company.
Through the two-year Finance Analyst Rotation Program, recent college graduates like Ash are provided experiences and resources to kick-start a rewarding and successful career in accounting and finance. Participants rotate through several finance departments, receive support through mentorship programs, and participate in group activities, events, and learning opportunities with senior leadership.
For Ash, this was the right opportunity. “I knew I could build a diverse set of skills and gain knowledge throughout the program working in different divisions,” he says.
Establishing his career at a mission-driven organization like Freddie Mac was important to Ash. “I get to make meaningful contributions,” he explains. “This aligns to my core values, and I can have a significant positive impact on people. I get to play a big part in Freddie’s culture of making people feel seen and heard, while making home possible for millions across the country.”
“I quickly learned there is a wonderful support system and culture within Freddie Mac, where everyone helps you improve and build a lifelong career. Everyone is so invested in your success.”
Promoting inclusiveness at Freddie Mac
Ash believes inclusion is critical to the success of any company, which is one of the aspects that led him to Freddie Mac. And while promoting inclusivity is highly valued at Freddie Mac, the key is to help employees feel valued for their uniqueness and diverse talent.
“We are a diverse company,” Ash says, “but what matters is that you feel valued — each person’s voice should be heard.”
As the child of Pakistani immigrants, Ash grew up feeling different from other kids. Because of this, he’s always wanted to ensure that others like him felt included. While Ash was in college, he participated in different student organizations to help promote diverse communities on campus and find people like himself.
“People perform better when they are connected and see themselves represented,” Ash says. “At the end of the day, we’re all people.”
Ash's involvement in Freddie Mac’s various Business Resource Groups (BRGs) demonstrates his commitment to inclusion. As the member engagement coordinator in the InspirASIAN BRG, he leads efforts to foster connection among colleagues. Additionally, Ash is part of the Reporting and Analytics team in the Diversity Equity and Inclusion division, collaborating with his team members to ensure equitable career opportunities for all employees.
Ash believes having different BRGs available to join is important because it provides a safe supportive space — which benefits everyone.
Inclusive benefits to create a more supportive workplace
Freddie Mac offers many inclusive benefits aimed at nurturing holistic well-being, particularly for early-career employees. From a student loan repayment program designed to alleviate financial burdens to first-time homebuyer benefits that facilitate the realization of personal milestones, Freddie Mac prioritizes the support and advancement of its employees.
By providing such diverse and inclusive benefits, Freddie Mac not only demonstrates its commitment to fostering a supportive work environment but also creates a culture that values and considers the individuals’ needs and aspirations.
Ash notes that, even as a new employee, he feels as though experienced executives are listening to his concerns and ideas. For instance, Ash played a pivotal role in advocating for the expansion of quiet rooms on campus.
“I was able to meet with the senior leaders to help expand the locations of our quiet rooms, where my colleagues can have a moment to meditate and just have a moment of stillness,” Ash says.
Ash was surprised at how quickly his suggestions were turned into action and says that having his voice heard contributes to his sense of belonging on campus.
This inclusive approach not only enhances employee satisfaction but also contributes to a sense of belonging and loyalty within the organization. With these initiatives in place, Freddie Mac not only attracts top talent but also cultivates a workplace where individuals are inspired to contribute their best, helping achieve our vision of creating a dynamic and inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive and succeed.
3 tips for launching your career
Ash shares the following tips to help launch your career.
- Be intentional. "Use the information gained from your college experience and do your research on the companies you are considering. Join a career-related student group or professional association that can build your network, including online career-related groups. When possible, choose school projects related to trends and topics in your desired career.”
- Do not be intimidated. “Imposter syndrome is real; just remember the people you are going to be working with started out like you. No one begins on day one knowing everything.”
“My mother shared this piece of advice: do not be afraid to show your authentic self. She encouraged me to bring my full self to the workplace.”
- Start early. “The most counterproductive approach to career planning is to wait until the last minute to get started. Start planning your life after college early on.”
