Meet Housna Azeddine. She’s a data analyst at Bloomberg in London and was born in Morocco.
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) comprise a growing region, where Bloomberg is expanding. As a market specialist for the MENA region, Housna’s French and Arabic language skills are critical in helping Bloomberg to communicate closer with clients there. She is able to contextualize the relevant news in the area, checking the official exchange websites and other information sources, and provide insight and analysis to clients.
Here, Housna shares what she loves about living in London, how she uses her language skills at work, and what sets the Bloomberg culture apart.
How do you feel about living in London?
Since I was little, London was a dream. I watched the videos and movies and it was always charming. I wondered how life would be there and the first opportunity I had was with Bloomberg. I haven’t regretted it at all. It really is beautiful.
Tell us something that surprised you about London.
Each neighborhood has its own style and landscape. If you want to go somewhere where there is nature, somewhere more urban, there’s everything in London. I’m still discovering it!.
What about Bloomberg made you want to move here?
After finishing school, I was looking for a company where I could be myself, grow and volunteer at the same time to serve the community. As a student, volunteering was part of my routine and when I found Bloomberg, I had all three criteria. It’s a big business where I can grow. It’s a company that allows you to volunteer regularly through Best of Bloomberg. And it’s a company with opportunities in London and all over the world.
Were there opportunities at Best of Bloomberg (the company’s volunteer program) that particularly interested you?
During my first year, I took part in a program called Shout. Bloomberg gave me the time I needed to train. For two hours a week, I supported the text help line, where people in the community would make contact with the service in relation to their mental health concerns.
This year, I’m supporting another program called Age UK, where I forge connections with elderly people who live alone. It’s been two months since I started this program and it’s fascinating. I made a friend named Robert, who’s 79 years old, and we have become good friends through regular contact.
Talk us through your relocation.
Bloomberg supported me enormously, including with all the visa procedures during the pandemic where everything was closed. When I arrived, the HR team showed me where to do my shopping and helped me to find a place to live. As a result, I was able to find accommodation easily and start my life here.
Talk us through the importance of languages in your role. How did having a second and third language help you?
In my portfolio I cover companies in the Middle East, Africa and French-speaking countries in Europe. Arabic and French have helped me so much in my role because I am able to read regional information in its native language, understand what’s happening in the local markets and do my analyses.
Does it help you with clients?
Yes, I can answer customers without having to go through the ‘translation’ team. As a result, I can communicate directly with the customer, which is an advantage.
How does it feel to bring that part of yourself into work?
I’m happy being Housna Azeddine, speaking the languages I speak. I do my job, laugh with my colleagues and they will learn about my country and culture. It’s a great working environment. That’s the feeling I get working at Bloomberg. I don’t have to overthink or pretend to be someone else. I just need to come in and be myself, and everyone accepts me.
Are there new opportunities you have pursued since arriving in London, outside of work?
Yes, I started traveling on my own to discover not only London, but England in general. Most weekends I go to a nearby city a few hours away. It’s become like a little routine twice-a-month.
What in the environment at Bloomberg makes you feel like yourself?
When I come into this building each morning, I’m in a good mood. The first thing I do is go to the pantry to have breakfast. And when I look at the view with my coffee, I say to myself ‘it’s a nice day, we’re going to start well’. And then, at my desk, I chat and collaborate with my colleagues; if I need my team leader, I can just stand up and go see them
We have a prayer room here too, where I can say my prayers. It’s a place which has everything. And at the end of the day, when I leave, I feel good.