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 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 associate of the Rotational Development program in July of 2005. As a part of this program I worked with the Managed Account Program, the International Fixed Income Department, Retirement Planning and the Government Bonds Department. After the Rotational Development Program I began working with the Corporate Bonds Department in July of 2006. Q: What 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 and appreciation of the people they work for and with. 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 a company that I would want to be associated with. 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 the Edward Jones view, meeting face-to-face builds strong relationships. One of the ways that an Edward Jones Financial Advisor does this is by door-knocking and meeting clients at their home. As a new associate to the firm I contacted a Financial Advisor so that I could experience door-knocking 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. But at each house we approached, we were well received. Q: In your opinion, what is the culture like at Edward Jones?
A:I feel that the culture of people here at Edward Jones makes them 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 access to in their first year after college. I met many different people from whom I could seek advice. That opened my eyes up to the many different ways that we help our clients. Also while I was rotating I took advantage of a few of the many different 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 client's unique needs. Q: How is working at Edward Jones different than you thought it would be?
A: There is support for our professional development with the classes and workshops that they offer. I am surrounded by associates who share my ambitions and who are eager to develop themselves and the business around them. I feel that this is one of those things that has helped Edward Jones become regarded as a leader in their industry. I think that being a part of an environment such as this is a great indication that the possibilities for the firm and myself are limitless. 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: The office structure helps to promote an open and encouraging atmosphere that allows associates of all different backgrounds to work together as a team. I think its truly notable because it allows each one of us to offer valuable input and ask for advice on issues that not only affect the firm's growth, but our own professional growth as well. Q: In your opinion, what about your rotational program helped you most develop in your career?
A: The relationships that I built through day-to-day work helped me developing in my career. We all work as a team here 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 who is considering their employment opportunities?
A: Be flexible. With the constant change that is now occurring in most industries, the traditional sense of holding a job for 20 years has gone away. Organizations are now moving towards a more flexible structure with wide ranging job descriptions and are looking for those types of people that will be able to adapt. I believe that those who have an inner drive to work without structure and take individual responsibility will be able adapt to any challenge.
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