Company: Century Group Financial Solutions Inc.; Sun Life Financial
Position: Advisor
Employed: two years
Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
I first attended Conestoga College where I received a diploma in Human Service Foundations. I then moved to Niagara on the Lake and received a diploma from the Business Sales and Marketing program at Niagara College.
How did you find your current position?
After graduating, I decided to take some time and explore my options and see what careers were suitable to me and my education. During this time I had a meeting with my advisor to review my personal finances and that's when he asked me about considering a career as an advisor. This was a career that I didn't entertain entering into; however, since my initial interview, I have never looked back.
Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
The biggest responsibility I have is ensuring that all prospects and clients are fully educated on the importance of having life and health coverage for their entire family, as well as having a well-versed investment portfolio.
What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
The most challenging aspect of my position is time management. While running your own business has many positives, it presents challenges. You have to be accountable for all of your clients and your office. So, delegating your time in a proper manner is very important. It takes time to get a system in place and get accustomed to it.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of this career is the feeling that you have made a difference in someone's life. My clients trust that I will always do the right thing for them and their family. That is a very big responsibility but also a rewarding one to know someone believes in you that much to entrust their current and future plans to you.
What skills have you learned through your work experience?
Time management and organizational skills are the first two I have learned the most about. Knowing how to organize your calendar is so important in this industry. The more organized you are the more work you will be able to get accomplished. Another important skill this job will teach you is troubleshooting. Things can always change in a split second, and through experience you can learn how to take advantage of those changes.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and honesty. You have to be prepared to work seven days a week if needed and love every moment of it. It's not hard work if you love and believe in what you do.
Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date?
In my first full year as an advisor, I was able to achieve a company target goal to get invited to a conference in Hawaii. This was not an easy goal to set or even achieve, but I managed to accomplish it with a lot of hard work. This great success has allowed me to prove to myself that with the proper drive and tools you are able to achieve any goal, no matter how big or small it is.
What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Make sure that you look at all of your options. Sometimes the careers that you don't see in the limelight and that are not always the most obvious ones turn out to be the best ones. Also make sure that you walk into every opportunity with an open mind because until you fully understand what you are being offered, you can't make the most educated decision.
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