Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: The Accounts and Transfers Department is responsible for assisting branch offices in account opening, closing and maintenance questions and also any questions involving transferring accounts. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I started at Jones in September 2001. I became a team leader in June 2006. Q: What did you do prior to joining Edward Jones?
A: I graduated from college in May 2001 and began at Jones in Sept 2001 – it was my first "real" job! 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: In the Service Division, we get the opportunity to help Financial Advisors and Branch Office Administrators everyday. Its makes you feel so good when a branch tells you personally how your role positively affects their work and the customer. Q: Describe the culture at Edward Jones and how it’s different from your previous job. What is unique?
A: Since this was my first professional job, I don't have a previous job to compare it to. However, I do know that it's been a very rewarding and wonderful experience. This firm gives you the training to succeed in your role and the opportunity to grow. I've heard other associates tell me how great Edward Jones is and how much happier they are here. Q: One area Edward Jones prides itself is enabling associates to maintain a strong work-life balance. How does this approach impact you?
A: At Edward Jones we understand how important family is to their associates. Edward Jones has always been so good about allowing me to spend time with my family when it was most important. Q: What does the firm being a partnership mean to you?
A: Being a partnership means working together to achieve a common goal – serving the individual investor. Q: Before you came to Edward Jones, what did the name mean to you? And after you came on board?
A: Growing up in St Louis, I had always heard of Edward Jones. It's a well respected firm and I was so proud to get to be a part of it. Q: Articulate the spirit of volunteerism that exists at Jones. How have you been involved and what was that experience like?
A: I can honestly say that if I ever need help or have a question, I can comfortably turn to a group of people who I know are more than willing to help. That's Edward Jones. It's a place of kind, generous people are working together to serve the client's needs. 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: Edward Jones is a merit-based firm and their compensation is fair. I've felt like in my performance appraisals; my leaders do a great job capturing my work and base my compensation on my merit. Q: Do you feel there are opportunities for advancement and greater income potential at Edward Jones?
A: I'm a great example of the opportunities for advancement at Edward Jones. I came to Jones straight out of college, really enjoyed my job and within five years I was promoted to a team leader. Q: Do you feel you are rewarded for taking initiative and “going the extra mile” at Edward Jones?
A: Edward Jones is a place that does not put limits on your ideas and abilities. I am often encouraged to think outside the box and rewarded for it. Q: What qualities do you think a person needs to have to succeed in the home office environment?
A: A successful home office employee is someone who enjoys working as a team, believes in customer service and is willing to learn new things. Q: How do you see your future at Edward Jones unfolding?
A: There are so many different directions my future can take, but I see all of them as exciting – and that's Edward Jones, you just never know what good things are next. 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: As a team leader, I get the opportunity to sit directly with my team. Sitting among my team gives me the opportunity to build a relationship with each person on my team and interact with them on a regular basis. It optimizes the open door policy. Q: How has the firm supported your professional growth via training opportunities?
A: When I was promoted to a team leader, the firm immediately provided me with resources and leadership classes to attend. This furthered my skills and strengthened my confidence. Q: Describe the training you received when you started.
A: When I first started at Branch Services, I received weeks of classroom and on the job training. The training lasted almost six months – I don't know very many firms that dedicate so much time and resources to a new associate. 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: The Learning and Organizational Effectiveness department provides all kinds of different leadership classes. There is a class for about any need. The firm also has a business library that is stocked with books – you check the books out online and it's interoffice mailed to you – so easy! Q: What has the firm's growth meant for leadership opportunities?
A: I don't think I would be where I'm at now, if it wasn't for the firm's growth. The rapid growth of firm is exciting and constantly provides new opportunities to new associates everyday.
|
