Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: My role is to assure that communications to the public meet regulatory standards. I am also responsible for the Resource Team, a team of individuals dedicated to providing support to the Research Analysts and firm associates. In addition, the Firm Library is a resource for internal associates. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: The research department provides equity information and recommendations to clients so that they can make informed decisions about equities in their individual portfolios. The Resource Team, within the research department, assures that those communications are compliant and meet all regulatory requirements. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I started working for Edward Jones in August, 1986. I began as a team leader in the Research Service Department. I have always worked within the Research Department, albeit in various roles. I became a supervisory analyst in July, 2001. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I managed the day to day operations of a local art gallery. I also worked for a tax preparer. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: I believe Edward Jones provides much more flexibility in the day-to-day operations of the business than what I was familiar with in the past. Associates are responsible for their own actions and are given much flexibility and freedom in accomplishing their daily, weekly and annual objectives. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling our associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: I believe I was one of the first work-at-home associates for Edward Jones. When my daughter was born, 16 years ago, I proposed working from home on a part time basis. Edward Jones was very receptive to the idea when this was not a common practice and that has afforded me the opportunity to continue to work while balancing my family life. A few years later, I began working full time again, working from home as well as in the office. I have been extremely grateful for their attitude and their understanding of family life. I still maintain a balance of working in the office as well as at home. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: Being able to share in the success of the firm is rewarding, both emotionally as well as financially. As owners of the firm, partners feel a sense of pride and connection to Edward Jones. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: I was relatively young and a few years out of college, and I was unfamiliar with Edward Jones. Once I was hired by Edward Jones, I was immediately impressed with the culture and value of the firm and the hard working associates that were a part of the company. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Edward Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: There are a lot of volunteer opportunities. Associates feel comfortable stepping up and helping in community activities as well as dedicating their time to community projects. It feels good being a part of a company that gives back to the community. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: I believe, at Edward Jones, you are in control of your own future within the company. Edward Jones allows flexibility and freedom of doing more. If you have an idea, you are encouraged to act on it. My experience is that associates find it easy to offer and implement ideas. Leadership is very encouraging. Training opportunities are always available and encouraged. Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: Associates are recognized and have opportunity for advancement if they seize the opportunity to do more in "going the extra mile." Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: I believe that if an associate has the desire to do what is in the best interest of the client, the associate will do well at Edward Jones. Having an understanding for what the client wants and needs is critical to the success of the company and to each individual associate. I think that associates need to think like an owner of the firm and help clients to achieve their financial goals. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders located in cubicals. What does this structure mean to you?
A: I enjoy having the cubicals rather than offices. I think, as a result, everyone feels comfortable in approaching all associates, regardless of level of responsibility. It is a very comfortable work environment. The culture is one of a partnership and that is the case with the office space as well. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: There are always ample training opportunities available, both formal and informal. Training has always been encouraged and welcomed, both with internal classes as well as outside seminars. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: Initially, I received on the job training, and formal Edward Jones classroom training. Throughout my years with the firm, it has always been encouraged to look for opportunities to get additional training. Now, there are so many opportunities for continued training. We continue to look for training opportunities, inside and outside of the firm, to assist in our job functions and our personal development. Q: In terms of ongoing training, are you able to use either internal or external continuing education to continue to grow your career at Edward Jones?
A: Yes, there are so many opportunities for additional training. As associates, we are responsible for our own growth and development and the company has done a great job of providing choices for our additional training. Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: As Edward Jones continues to grow, there is a great need for leadership. This opportunity will continue to expand as new divisions and departments are created and the size of the firm grows. With our international presence, this will create even more opportunities.
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