Q: Describe your role within the firm.
A: As a trader with the Corporate Bonds Department, I work with various broker-dealers to acquire investments that will help provide a fixed stream of income to our clients. Q: Which college program did you participate in when you joined the firm?
A: I participated in the Rotational Development Program. Q: Describe how your division contributes to the firm's success.
A: As a part of the Products and Services division, we help take care of a client's long-term financial goals by offering a diversified selection of various investment products. Q: What year did you start at Edward Jones? What year did you start in your current position?
A: I began my tenure at Edward Jones as an RDP associate in July of 2005. As a part of this program I worked with the Managed Account Program, the International Fixed Income department, Retirement Plan Marketing and the Government Bonds department. After RDP, I began working with the Corporate Bonds department in July of 2006. Q: From which school did you obtain your degree? What was your degree in?
A: I graduated from Saint Louis University with a degree in finance and a minor in accounting. Q: What appealed to you about Edward Jones?
A: The most appealing aspect of Edward Jones was the strong connection that they have with the surrounding community. Because of their involvement and presence I thought they had a much stronger understanding of the people they work for. To me, any firm that reaches out and regards their clients as their main focus and treats their employees well made them an easy pick for myself. 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: Relationships are key, and in Edward Jones' view, meeting face to face with clients builds strong relationships. One of the ways an Edward Jones Financial Advisor does this is by meeting clients at their homes. As a new associate I contacted a Financial Advisor so that I could experience making first contacts firsthand. As someone who had not approached many people at their homes to talk to them about their financial future, I was expecting this to be a great lesson in humility. However, with each house we approached, we were well received. Q: In your opinion, what is the culture like at Edward Jones?
A:I believe the firm's culture makes associates very open-minded and easily approachable. This is an important building block of any strong team and its something I am proud to be a part of. Q: How did being a RDP associate help prepare you for a full-time role at Edward Jones?
A: The advantage I had from being in the Rotational Development Program was that I was exposed to many areas of the business that most graduates would not have accessed in their first year after college. I met many people from whom I could seek advice. This opened my eyes to the many ways we help our clients. While, rotating I also took advantage the many classes our firm has to offer to develop my career. Understanding all that Edward Jones has to offer really has helped me appreciate all that we do to meet our clients' unique needs. Q: How is working at Edward Jones different from how you thought it would be?
A: There is support for our professional development through classes and workshops. I am surrounded by associates who share my ambitions and are eager to develop themselves and the business around them. I believe this has helped Edward Jones become regarded as a leader in the industry. Being a part of an environment such as this is a great indication that my possibilities, and those of the firm, are limitless. Q: There are very few offices at Edward Jones, with nearly all the firm's leaders in cubicles. What does this structure mean to you?
A: The office structure helps to promote an open and encouraging atmosphere that allows associates from all different backgrounds to work as a team. I think it's truly notable because it allows each of us to offer valuable input and ask for advice on issues that affect not only the firm's growth, but our own professional growth as well. Q: In your opinion, what about the RDP program helped you most develop in your career?
A: The relationships I built through day-to-day work helped me developing in my career. We all work as a team and understanding more about every person makes it easier to work together to achieve a common goal. Q: What advice would you give a student considering his or her employment opportunities?
A: Be flexible. With the constant change now occurring in most industries, the traditional sense of holding a job for 20 years has gone away. Organizations are moving toward a more flexible structure with wide-ranging job descriptions and are looking for those people who will be able to adapt. I believe those who have an inner drive to work without structure and take individual responsibility will be able tackle any challenge.
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