Taru Sharma has been part of OCC’s Information Technology team since she was an intern in 2019. In her OCC Story, she reflects on how the organization’s culture of support helped her develop and excel professionally.
Taru Sharma - Senior Associate, Network Engineering - is part of the IT team in OCC’s Chicago office.
I feel great reflecting on my time at OCC. I joined as a Network Services intern while I was a graduate student at Illinois Institute of Technology, and then I was offered a full-time position when I graduated.
Now I am part of the Network Infrastructure team in the IT department. My team plays a critical role in ensuring that OCC can perform its core purpose – clearing and settling options. We manage the network that supports colleagues, Clearing Members and exchanges accessing our systems for day-to-day activities and trades. Every day when I see trades going smoothly, I feel pride in mine and my team’s work at OCC.
My teammates live by OCC’s “We Do the Right Thing” value. I have seen them following and guiding others to follow the right processes, and they stand up for what is right. This has positively impacted my professional and personal life and helped me become a better person.
"At OCC, the team is truly a 'team' in which everybody gets to present their thoughts and opinions. People respect each other regardless of age and level of experience. This is what I love most about the culture here."At OCC, the team is truly a “team” in which everybody gets to present their thoughts and opinions. I have been a part of multiple teams and never felt that my opinion was not valued. People respect each other regardless of age and level of experience. This is what I love most about the culture here.
OCC is also a place where managers and leaders prioritize your professional development as much as your current job responsibilities. For example, I have been offered multiple training and certification courses. My knowledge and skillset have increased so much over these past five years because I have been given a tremendous amount of support and opportunities by my managers and colleagues.
Inspire, Empower, Enrich: Sharing OCC Stories
At OCC, we are one team, driven by a powerful purpose: serving a critical function in the financial markets, while inspiring confidence in everything we do. To meet critical regulatory obligations, we undertake ambitious, rewarding projects – taking pride in our work and empowering colleagues’ professional growth. By embracing diverse perspectives and fostering meaningful connections, we come together to help shape the future of our industry.