Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: I train/teach new Financial Advisors the necessary sales skills to become successful. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: We ensure that Financial Advisors have the proper skills and resources to become profitable, legal and ethical. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I came to Edward Jones in 2004 and started my position at the same time. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I was a Financial Advisor with a different institution. Q: Are there any memorable experiences you’d like to share that encapsulate or typify what it’s like to work for Edward Jones?
A: I see so many new Financial Advisors come into the training with no sales or financial experience whatsoever. They go through the standard training process and eventually become VERY successful! They end up providing their communities with great financial advice, and they're also able to provide their own family with a better lifestyle. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: There is a true sense of “Partnership” which was not present at my previous job. Everyone genuinely wants to help everyone. No one has a hidden agenda. You can feel comfortable asking questions and you can see that your leaders truly want to see you grow and succeed. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: It gives everyone who works hard the opportunity to own part of the company. I don't know if this is something that is available for most other companies. We really get rewarded for the work that we do. We also treat this company as our own. I believe that is a huge benefit to being a partnership. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: I've worked in a couple of other companies before joining Edward Jones and I've never seen anyone go out of their way or work extra hours without expecting something in return (more pay, more benefits, etc.). This is not the case here. People work promos on the weekends; they help out branches and other departments. And they don't really expect anything in return. Q: Do you think Edward Jones has taken good care of you in terms of overall compensation package, including medical benefits, vacation time, retirement planning and salary?
A: I think Edward Jones has taken good care of me. The compensation package is reasonable. I know that many other firms pay more but it's not always easy to compare since partnership, bonuses, DPSP contributions can't be measured ahead of time (and are not guaranteed). Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: For the most part, I feel that my efforts are rewarded. I was offered partnership and I get (verbally) recognized for hard work. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: I think a person needs to be hard working to succeed in the home office. People who work hard are usually recognized and have more opportunities for advancement. I also think that being a team player is very important. Because we are a partnership, we all want to help one another. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: I think there is so much room for growth in Canada. There are so many areas that can be created, and that leads to more opportunities for the associates. There is also the role of the Financial Advisor that is very appealing. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: I think that people around you – your colleagues, your leaders – recognize your hard work. When people from different areas of the firm also acknowledge it, I think it's safe to say that you're doing a good job. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders located in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: I think the way the firm is structured internally is important. We truly have an open-door policy since no one has a door! I know that in Canada, all the leaders are so accessible. Who would ever even imagine that in any other large corporation? Leaders are always open to hearing ideas and value the hard work that their team does. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: I shadowed one of the experienced individuals on my team. I was then slowly eased into the role. There are so many sides to this role that you need to know and the development continued for a long time. I was also teamed up with a mentor. That was great too.
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