'I Love My Job': A Home Away from Home, a Chance to Explore and Grow a Career

Welcome to I Love My Job, the series where we hear from women who really love their jobs. In this edition, we sat down with Michelle Clifford, Managing Director at DTCC in Information Technology. 

Clifford began her career journey at DTCC in 1997 as a member of an entry-level training program for recent college graduates. “They took us under their wing,” she says. “Over the years, the company really did invest in us — not just as employees but as individuals.”

Clifford has continued to invest in DTCC as much as the company has invested in her over the past 27 years. She’s had several different roles in areas like development, business analysis, project management — and now in leadership. 

As part of a team that focuses on the organization’s infrastructure and resilience, Clifford feels fortunate to play a key role in DTCC’s strategy and direction. In fact, she was part of the group that built up the company’s IT resiliency services, which have now expanded into incident management practices and data center operations as well.

“I’m honored to be part of such an elite group within the organization,” she says.

In the video below, Clifford shares more about why she loves working at DTCC. We also provide lightly edited highlights from the video discussion in the following article.

What do you find most exciting about working at DTCC?

What I find very exciting about my role at DTCC is that I have so many opportunities to expand my skill set into different areas and strategies. For example, in building out our resiliency strategy, I get to work with multiple technology vendors. I’ve learned what it truly means to make DTCC a more resilient organization for ourselves and our clients. 

How would you describe the culture of DTCC?

The culture is one of the things I love most about DTCC. We’re one big family. Every day, I come in feeling supported — like it’s a place I can call home even when I’m not actually at home. It’s a testament to why I’ve been here for 27 years, and it’s why I continue to be grateful that I’m part of this organization. 

What’s your favorite thing about working at DTCC?

My favorite thing about DTCC is the fact that there are always opportunities for mobility. I think that’s why people tend to stay here so long. Some people have stayed with DTCC for nearly 40 years. I think that’s because we have opportunities to grow and change roles, and we’re acknowledged for our contributions and encouraged to explore different areas. You can be a developer one day and move into an infrastructure engineer or business analyst role the next. It’s a testament to DTCC’s empathy and support that they really care about their employees.

How does DTCC support you?

DTCC provides so many opportunities to its employees. We’re encouraged to explore and increase our skill sets. There’s an amazing support model in place. 

For example, there’s a strong mentoring program. I’ve had multiple mentors and sponsors over the years, and they’ve helped guide and support me in my career. 

Having a mentor is really key in this organization because you have someone to help guide you on your career journey who’s not your direct manager. They can be open and honest with me about my development opportunities and how to pursue them. 

DTCC provides sponsorship as well. Having a sponsor in your corner helps push you along, giving you that ego boost and reminding you that you can do it. This has helped me further my career aspirations. 

What advice would you give to other women looking to work at DTCC?

My advice for women looking to join DTCC is to be confident in yourselves. Know that the skills we’re looking for are most likely the ones you have. Don’t be afraid to apply and go through the interview process. Hopefully, you’ll become part of this community!

Fairygodboss is proud to work with DTCC. Find a job there today!

Check out other posts in the ‘I Love My Job’ series:

• ‘I Love My Job’: The ‘Tremendous Amount of Growth and Opportunities’ That Helped Me Become a VP

• ‘I Love My Job’: Collaborative People, Engaging Customers, and The Support You Need To Grow

• ‘I Love My Job’: Authentic Relationships, Fun Work, and Growing the Next Generation of Women Leaders

• ‘I Love My Job’: Achieving Growth ‘Beyond My Imagination’ Thanks to the Support of My Global Company

• ‘I Love My Job’: A ‘Winning Culture’ Where We Win Together as a Supportive and Flexible Team