For the 23rd consecutive year, Edward Jones has been recognized as a top training company, having been named to the 2023 Training APEX awards list by Training magazine. The award recognizes organizations worldwide that have the most successful learning and development programs. Edward Jones ranked No.14, up 10 spots from last year.

Additionally, Edward Jones was recognized with a Best Practice Award for the firm’s JonesSpark program, an internal crowdsourcing tool to engage associates firmwide to help generate ideas and prioritize solutions to complex challenges.

“We are intentional about investing in the learning, development and growth of our 50,000 associates,” said Suzan McDaniel, Edward Jones Chief Human Resources Officer. “From mentorship and job shadow programs to new learning platforms that help associates build life skills, our training helps all associates unleash their full potential and serve our 8 million clients – helping them achieve financially what is most important to them.”

The Training APEX award evaluation process considers the success of a company’s overall training approach. Award criteria include training program and scope, budget, tuition reimbursement, infrastructure and delivery, evaluation and human resources.

Edward Jones’ innovative training programs this year include:

• Coaching Into Action – a coaching program for financial advisors to build business plans that help them better serve their clients and communities
• Inclusion Business Coaching – a four-week accredited diversity coaching course that helps retain and develop diverse and women financial advisors
• Save Yourself a Call – a training program that helps branch teams build knowledge in advance of year-end Required Minimum Distributions that clients must take from their IRA accounts and cuts down on call volume into the service center at peak times
• Allyship for All – three one-hour workshops to appreciate the value and advantages of being an ally, recognize challenges others face and practice advocating for others
• Unconscious Bias – a four-week course to help identify bias and recognize its impact, explore ways to face bias with courage and create a space where everyone is respected, included and valued

Company rankings for the Training APEX award were announced Feb. 13 at an awards gala during the 2023 Training Conference & Expo in Orlando, Fla.

Sonia Rebollo McCloskey came to the United States after representing her country of Spain in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. With only $200 in her pocket and still in her teens, her family told her that going to America was her best opportunity for education and success. She lived with a host family and worked her way through college and eventually began a career in college recruiting with assignments overseas. In 2009, she left this position to seek a new challenge, but uncertain as to what that would be.

Upon leaving her position, she had acquired a small 401(k) account that needed to be transferred. “Not knowing what to do with such a thing, I went into this Edward Jones office and asked if they knew what a 401(k) was and if they could help me,” said Sonia. The financial advisor suggested that they set a time to meet. She also suggested that if Sonia was married, perhaps her spouse would like to join. “When my husband and I returned the next day, I was so impressed. Both the financial advisor and her assistant were so polite and accommodating. They seemed generally interested and wanted to make sure that I received their full attention. We learned so much more than just what a 401(k) was!”

As Sonia jumped into her job search, she kept thinking about her Edward Jones experience. It just seemed like such a good match for Sonia’s talents. She knew she would have to learn investing, but she also knew she had all the other elements for success. “I wasn’t afraid. I knew if I could have the same discipline I had as an athlete, I could be successful at this too. After all, what’s hard about showing people how they can meet their goals?”

Since joining Edward Jones in 2010, Sonia has held several leadership roles within the firm in addition to managing a successful practice in the Denver area. She attributes much of her success to what Edward Jones has taught her about compassion. As she says, “Edward Jones has taught me to listen better. Everyone’s story and purpose are different. Most firms cater to your ego, not to your heart. Here, we lead with our hearts, and it’s made me a better person.”

Interested in the Edward Jones Financial Advisor Opportunity?

Learn more about starting a career as a financial advisor or start searching for opportunities now. If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.

As a successful estate planning and small business attorney in Atlanta in the early 2000s, Helen Rice‘s professional life was taking off. No doubt, she had a full plate as a single parent with two small children, but she was managing through it. “What energized me was being able to help people,” says Helen. Still, she was frustrated that her compensation was not directly factored on client outcomes. And this discontent was reflected in all aspects of her life. She knew she needed a change. “I knew I would be happier …. and more successful.. in all aspects of my life, if I was completely fulfilled by my work.”

Through her professional network, Helen became acquainted with an Edward Jones Financial Advisor. In their conversations, Helen heard some key aspects about this person’s career – it allows you to:

• Build the kind of business you want to manage.
• Help people find solutions and plan for future.
• Develop long-term relationships with people.

In 2013, Helen sat down with her boys, explained that she was ready to make this change. It would not be easy in the beginning, but together, as a family with love and support, she was confident they would all be happier in the long run.

Today, Helen’s practice is soaring with over $150M in assets under management and a client experience rating that far exceeds expectations. She attributes much of her success not just to her new career choice, but more to where she has chosen to practice. “Edward Jones is not your typical investment firm. There is such great support here…. especially from your fellow advisors. We really care about each other, and we want to be successful together. I consider some of my work colleagues to be my closest friends. In fact, the person who gave the toast at our wedding is now also my regional leader!”

And Helen’s sons? Their thoughts on their mother’s career journey can best be described this way. When Helen took them on their first Edward Jones Travel Award trip to Maui, her seven-year-old said, “Mom, I really like your new job!”

Interested in the Edward Jones Financial Advisor Opportunity?

Learn more about starting a career as a financial advisor or start searching for opportunities now. If you’re already licensed as a financial advisor, learn how we’re built to take your practice to the next level.

If anyone was equipped to quickly climb the corporate ladder, it was Cindy Jones. She started her career in the late 1980s as a CPA and within twenty years, she was leading a financial reporting team for a multi-national oil and gas company. Despite the long hours and overseas travel, she was proud of her professional achievements. And then, an unexpected turn of events in her personal life made her rethink those perceived goals.

2011 was a turning point for Cindy. Her father passed away, and her daughter was in high school. “Losing my dad made me realize that I may have missed some special last visits with him. Moreover, it woke me up to realizing that I only had a year to have my daughter at home, and I should be sharing as much time as possible with her right now.”

Cindy was ready for the change, but uncertain what that meant. She did a full self-assessment – where was she her best self? What were her strongest skills and talents? It soon became clear. Two characteristics resonated – she wanted to interact directly with people and to find solutions for complex situations.

“After my father’s funeral, I started a discussion with one of the pallbearer’s who was my father’s financial advisor and trusted friend. I shared that I was considering going back to school for physical therapy,” said Cindy. Before she knew it, they were talking about why he loved working for Edward Jones and suggested she consider becoming a financial advisor. “It was the most moving experience – he was saying all the things that I was seeking, like ‘Being a financial advisor at Edward Jones allows you to build a business your way and on your terms. You decide how much you want to give it, and you see the rewards directly from your work. Most importantly, you see the satisfaction from helping others solve problems and achieve their goals.’

“That day was a turning point. From there, I started learning as much as I could about financial advising. It didn’t take me long to realize that the Edward Jones business model was unique in their client-centric approach and their supportive firm culture.”

Cindy opened her Edward Jones office in a suburb of Houston, Texas in January 2012, ironically on her dad’s birthday. Ten years later, she is experiencing great success with over $230M in assets under management. No doubt, starting her own practice was hard work, but for her, she was already accustomed to it, and this time more passionately committed.

“The meeting back in 2010 with that Edward Jones Financial Advisor put me on a whole new path, and I’m so grateful. It opened up a whole new world for me. I’ve never been happier both personally and professionally.”

Learn more about starting a career as a financial advisor or start searching for opportunities now.

In this podcast episode, Fairygodboss Diversity Advisor Aisha Alleyne sits down with Katie Warchol, an Edward Jones financial advisor, to hear how she has found purpose in a reinvented career. Katie shares advice on how to navigate a career change and how to recognize your transferable skills.

Since 2006, Katie has been working for Edward Jones; a company she believes truly understands what it means to serve clients, the community and the individuals who work for this outstanding firm.

Prior to Edward Jones, Katie was a counselor at St. Louis University. She has a master’s degree in counseling because from a young age she always had a desire to help people. During her first eight years at Edward Jones, Katie had the opportunity to work at both the St. Louis, MO and Tempe, AZ home office locations where she trained hundreds of financial advisors and branch teams throughout the country. After years of training financial advisors and watching them make a difference in their clients’ lives, Katie realized that a career as an Edward Jones financial advisor would bring her back to her passion of helping people in the most direct and impactful way.

Since 2014, Katie has used her counseling experience, empathy and empowerment skills to help individual investors and business owners achieve their goals. She also enjoys working with employers that offer 401(k), 403(b), Simple IRA or SEP IRA retirement plans to their employees. As her dad was a small business owner, Katie understands the importance of providing education and service to local businesses and their employees.

When not in the office, you are most likely to find Katie traveling the world. In addition to her wanderlust, Katie is a passionate volunteer for the Animal Protection Agency and a fervent supporter of the United Way. She is also a certified yoga instructor (RYT® 200), loves cheering on the St. Louis Blues and spending quality time with her family and friends.

Don’t have time to watch? You can listen to the episode as well.

You have a few of options: download the podcast (21 mins), and start listening right away, listen on Apple Podcast or listen on Spotify.

For the 12th time, Edward Jones Ranks “Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction Among Financial Investment Firms” by J.D. Power.

Based on responses from Edward Jones financial advisors, the firm earned an overall score of 890 points out of 1,000. This compared to the average score of 743 among the eight employee-channel firms measured by the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Study.

“This is a tremendous honor because it embodies our purpose of partnering to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, benefit our communities and society,” says Kristin Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Transformation Officer for Edward Jones. “It’s been a challenging year for many investors, and our financial advisors, branch office administrators and home office associates have really come together as one Edward Jones team to serve our clients’ needs in a comprehensive way. This has included going beyond finances to focus on the well-being of our clients and their families, their health and yes, connecting with their purpose.”

Between January and April 2021, financial advisors were asked to rate their firms in terms of leadership and culture, products and marketing, professional development, operational support, technology, and compensation. Edward Jones ranked No. 1 in products and marketing, compensation and professional development.

“We are a place of belonging at Edward Jones – a welcoming and productive environment where people feel comfortable to bring their full selves to work and all can achieve their full potential – inclusive of their different backgrounds and experiences,” Johnson added. “That feeling of belonging translates into supportive behaviors such as willingness to recommend. It also is what enables our firm to grow its impact and add value to our clients, colleagues and communities.”

Edward Jones received the highest score among employee advisors in 12 J.D. Power advisor satisfaction studies, which were completed in 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012-2015, 2017-2021. The J.D. Power U.S. Financial Advisor Satisfaction Studies of employee advisors’ satisfaction is distributed among those who are employed by an investment services firm. Visit jdpower.com/awards for more details.

“The consistent success of Edward Jones in this study since it was first launched back in 2007 is a great testament to their organization’s commitment to delivering a superior experience to the advisor,” said Michael Foy, Senior Director and Head of Wealth Intelligence at J.D. Power.

Applying for your dream job doesn’t have to be intimidating. Use these tips to help you decide if you should apply now or take some time to improve on necessary skills or experience for the position.

Are you qualified?

Do you meet at least 70% of the job qualifications? If you are confident in the relevant skills you possess, then apply. Use your cover letter to inform the potential employer why you’re interested in learning skills you may be lacking.

Is your experience a good fit?

If the job you want requires more experience then you have, look at where you fall short. If you’re only one or two years short, apply — especially if you have many of the skills required.

Are your skills a match?

Can you learn key skills for this position on the job or through personal learning? If you can gain these skills while maintaining strong performance at work, now might be the right time for you to apply.

Are you a good cultural fit?

Applying for a new job isn’t just about skills. When it comes to searching for a new employer, it’s also important that you are a good fit with the company’s culture. Look at the company’s website or social media and talk to any employees you know that work for their company. You can tell a lot about a company’s values and culture through these sources. Before you apply, make sure this is an environment that would help you thrive.

Following these tips can help you confidently apply for the next step in your career. Take time to evaluate what skills you may need moving forward to help guide you on the right path. Exploring new opportunities is an exciting time and can open your eyes to what you want in the future.

Considering a Financial Advisor career with Edward Jones? Hear from some of our current Financial Advisors about the position and the career path they took to build a successful practice.

Nanette was looking for more meaning in her career than what being an Attorney provided. What she loved about it was helping people: that’s what drew her to the profession. But after she helped them she didn’t get to see the good that followed. After becoming a financial advisor she was able to experience the client benefits before, after and in-between. Instead of transactional connections, she was building life-long relationships.

What were you looking for in your next career?

“I honestly thought I was just going to tough it out, I didn’t want to go back to school. I wanted to work for a company that was ethical and had a great culture. Additionally I was transitioning away from a career I worked so hard for, but when I asked myself what mattered the most to me and the value of my work, it was the people I was helping. So I looked at other companies, but when I came across Edward Jones it was the perfect fit. I liked the idea of having my own business but not having to worry about the logistics of location, real estate, etc.”

What are some talents that you carried over from being an attorney, which helped you become a successful financial advisor?

“Listening. Reading. Spotting issues. As an attorney I needed to listen really well to understand each client and spot the issues to determine if there was a case. Now as a financial advisor, I listen closely to understand client’s goals and issues to determine their best investment path. The reading portion is important because you have to continue to learn and stay on top of what’s happening in the industry, you need to fully understand the situation to articulate changes to your clients. Lastly, spotting issues is a huge benefit. When a client is telling me their history, I can pull out the key pieces to provide them the best help and get them on the right path.”

What stands out most to you about being an Edward Jones Financial Advisor?

“The long term relationships. I wanted to make an impact and be an important part of my client’s lives. Being there for them for years and years is a pretty awesome thing. Also being part of the community stands out to me; it was hard work building my business, but getting involved in the community and chambers it didn’t feel like work, it was a building relationship career.”

If you’re ready for a challenging yet rewarding career as a financial advisor, you can learn more about the opportunity or apply now to connect to a recruiter near you.

Considering a Financial Advisor career with Edward Jones? Hear from some of our current Financial Advisors about the position and the career path they took to build a successful practice.

Becca was an insurance agent which provided her the ability to help people and have meaningful conversations which she truly enjoyed. Changes in the company resulted in removing those conversations out of her responsibilities, so she knew a change needed to take place. When a few life-changing events impacted her family and life, she reflected on what she really wanted to do day-in and day-out. After talking to her job coach and visiting with several Edward Jones financial advisors, she decided to join Edward Jones.

What were you looking for in your next career?

“I really wanted to continue providing the financial guidance I liked so much. I often share the story of my mother who was a secretary and someone told her early on she needed to contribute to her IRA so she did. Then someone suggested it’s important to have life insurance, so she bought the protection. She became ill but was still able to retire because of the guidance she received, and she was able to leave a legacy behind. As an Edward Jones financial advisor I’m privileged to do what those people did for my mother… which makes every day a good day.”

What are some talents that you carried over from being an insurance agent, which helped you become a successful financial advisor?

“I’m not sure I would call it a talent, but more of willingness; the willingness to have those tough conversations about real life enables me, to not only be successful, but most importantly build meaningful relationships with my clients…they are like family. Also, my past career taught me you must put in the hard work to get results. It can be stressful but, I am happy every single day.”

What stands out most to you about being an Edward Jones Financial Advisor?

“The culture. Even at the very beginning, the way I was treated and welcomed, I said to myself I made the right decision, their culture fits my beliefs. Edward Jones recognizes the hard work and contributions of their financial advisors. Everyone I talk to is helpful, from the home office to the other financial advisors in my community – everyone.”

If you’re ready for a rewarding career as a financial advisor, you can learn more about the opportunity or find an opportunity near you to connect with a recruiter.

Considering a Financial Advisor career with Edward Jones? Hear from some of our current Financial Advisors about the position and the career path they took to build a successful practice.

Mike was a Certified Public Accountant prior to becoming a financial advisor with Edward Jones. He liked the work, but was growing weary of the hours and travel away from home. Getting ready for marriage and starting a family, he knew things had to change to provide more work-life balance. He had always wondered about becoming a financial advisor but didn’t have a lot of client facing interactions outside of conducting audits. After making the change, he realized how meaningful it was to build client relationships and the satisfaction of being present in his family’s everyday lives.

What were you looking for in your next career?

“I really wanted to stop traveling so much and the tax season hours were getting unbearable. When I wanted to start a family I knew a change had to take place so I explored becoming a financial advisor. I really liked the business model that Edward Jones offered; running my own business with the support of the Home Office, but not having someone hanging over my shoulder.”

What are some talents that you carried over from being a CPA, which helped you become a successful financial advisor?

“Having the financial and tax background gave me more credibility with clients from the very start. I knew what I was talking about, and they appreciated that. I also had comfort talking to people, whether they had large investments or were just starting off; those discussions were enjoyable to me.”

What stands out most to you about being an Edward Jones Financial Advisor?

“It is hard work, but being a CPA made it an easy transition getting my business up and running. I took a leap of faith, most of the time CPAs make good money and I had to focus on the long term, be patient, but in the end it all was very much worth it. I have the joy of dropping off and picking up my daughter from school, there’s nothing better than being present in her life. I also didn’t anticipate the depth of relationships I would build with clients as an FA vs. CPA. It’s great when people call you up for little things and have questions about making purchases; they rely on you and trust in you, not just in their investments. I have awesome client relationships.”

If you’re ready for a challenging yet rewarding career as a financial advisor, you can learn more about the opportunity or apply now to connect to a recruiter near you.