Q:What year did you start at Edward Jones?
A: I started at Edward Jones in 2006. Q: What did you do previously?
A: Before Edward Jones, I was a PA/secretary, IT/Asset Management Administrator, and Sales and Marketing Senior Administrator. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones.
A: The culture at Edward Jones is friendly, approachable, supportive and professional. Q: Talk a little about the support you get from the Home Office.
A: Branch Services are very supportive, if they don’t know the answer to a question, they will find out and get back to you. They will help with any type of query and make you feel like nothing is too much trouble. Branch Associate Training and Development is also very supportive during your training period. Q: How did you hear about Edward Jones in the U.K. and what were your perceptions before joining? Have those perceptions proved to be right or wrong?
A: I had not heard of Edward Jones until I saw a job vacancy. I then looked on the internet and found out more about the company and realised what a large and successful company it is. Although a large company, it does have a small company feel. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved?
A: You are actively encouraged to be involved at all levels which include supporting regional activities including mentoring, supporting joint functions, sharing ideas. I have currently been supporting a new BOA from another region; also a joint charitable venture, and supporting another office on their grand opening day. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: The name didn't mean anything to me. Now, whilst being very professional, Edward Jones is very approachable, friendly and a forward thinking company. Although a large company it prides itself on supporting the needs of local communities and the individual investor. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed as a BOA?
A: A BOA needs to be very customer focused, good at building relationships and be prepared to go the extra mile. A good administrator who needs to be self motivated and enjoys working independently and as part of a team. Q: What keeps you at Edward Jones?
A: I stay at Edward Jones because I enjoy being involved in the development and success of the business. Q: As you go through your daily activities, how do you know you’ve achieved success at Edward Jones?
A: Teamwork plays an important part as the business grows and with it comes success and job satisfaction. When I go home at the end of day and know I've worked well and contributed to the success of the business, I feel I’ve achieved success. Q: What is it like to work in a two-person office?
A: It can be quiet at times and I did initially have some concerns as I have always worked in larger teams. As the business has grown and work load increased, the relationship with clients is developing and I am enjoying the role. Q: What is your relationship like with your Financial Adviser?
A: The relationship is very important to the success of the business. You have to be honest with your Financial Adviser, able to air any concerns, support and respect each other and have the same goals. I have this relationship with my Financial Adviser. Q: What kinds of things do you do every day to help your Financial Adviser?
A: I prioritise calls, take care of the administrative tasks, prepare for appointments, respond to inquiries and take an overall proactive approach to help him manage his day. Q: What is your relationship like with clients?
A: The office has only been opened a short time but my relationship with clients is always developing on a professional, friendly and caring basis. Q: How important is it that you work close to where you live? Has it increased your quality of life?
A: I have always worked fairly close to where I live and would not consider travelling a long way to my place of work. Q: What role do you play in increasing awareness of your branch within the community?
A: I handle marketing, key referrals, arranging seminars, mail shots, maintaining contact lists, supporting local charities, joint ventures with other Edward Jones offices. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: I did a branch visit with an experienced BOA, a half day visit by my mentor, on-line training and a three-day training course in London.
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