My Best Career Moments

As part of our Best Moments series, we asked Jeahnie to share some of the definitive moments in her career with us. Here’s what she had to say:
The most exciting part of my job is working closely with clients and helping them achieve their financial goals. It’s the meaningful relationships that I’ve built with my clients over time and helping them through various life events, that has been truly rewarding for me.
 
Is there something interesting that you’re learning right now?
I'm always learning something new! As a financial planner, I am continuously working towards developing my skills and the advice that I provide to my clients, whether it be estate planning, cross-border banking or digital mobile banking. RBC invests the time and resources in our training and I think it stems from our priority to provide the best advice to our clients. We have access to a wide range of formal learning resources and opportunities: everything from the traditional classroom setting or interactive web-based learning programs. We also have the opportunity to work towards various professional accreditation programs. It's really great to have these resources and support available.
 
What advice would you give to someone beginning their career in financial planning?
The first is to take the initiative. By taking the initiative you'll always gain good experience and learn from your mistakes. Find ways to build your credibility and value, find a mentor who will guide you in your career path, and always have a positive attitude. Be a team player and remember those who supported you. Don't forget to pay it forward by supporting another colleague who's just starting. Be agile, open to change and stay relevant. 
 
With regards to financial planning, I would say the priorities are to put the client first and begin your journey by really paying attention to how you cultivate relationships with branches. As a financial planner, you're treating your desk as your own business; you want to take advantage of the partners you have available within the organization, so collaboration is key.
 
What has it been like being a part of the RBC team?
The workplace culture is unique and defined by a set of values to uphold ourselves to the highest standard. Values like earning the right to be the client's first choice, collaborating as a team with a shared sense of purpose, taking accountability, embracing diversity & inclusion, and maintaining integrity. The growth opportunities here stem from these core values and as a diverse, integrated organization there is an abundance of opportunity for career growth and advancement.
 
Tell us about your career path leading up to now.
I joined RBC in 2004 and began working as a banking advisor, it was an entry-level personal banker role. At the time, I didn't have a plan to become a financial planner but I quickly realized my desire to help people with their financial needs. A year into the role, my manager at the time, had a career discussion with me and suggested the path of financial planning. It's something that kind of stuck with me since then. I learned a lot during those years on how to build relationships, and fine-tune my skills while working towards my designations with the support and guidance of my managers. The financial planner role at RBC was unique to what I had researched with other institutions. I like the fact that we look at both sides of the balance sheet and not just the investment piece; credit needs are also considered. We can provide advice and put together a financial plan with tangible solutions that are readily accessible. It brings me personal satisfaction every time I can help my client make their someday happen.
 
What kind of support do you have as a financial planner?
There are so many resources available and I think that's probably one of the things that make RBC an attractive organization to work for. They offer excellent support models when it comes to providing our clients with professional advice. Everything is at your fingertips whether it’s getting the most recent market update through RBC Global Asset Management, helpful advice and support on financial disciplines through our Financial Advisory Support team, or maintaining our competitive edge through new campaign initiatives created by our National Office Strategy Group. I've been fortunate to have worked most of my career with RBC and what sets us apart from other financial institutions are two things: the collaboration within the organization, and the resources that are available to us.
 
How has RBC unlocked your potential to thrive? 
The digital age is changing how people interact and do business on a day to day basis. We are always connected. We recognize that banking needs to be a part of the change. As a digitally enabled bank, we can now connect with clients online or through mobile banking. The power of connection is necessary to remain current and relevant. With RBC's new interactive tools and the ability to connect virtually, we now have less of a challenge getting our clients to come in and do business with us. I've learned so much through our digital workshops and web-based learning. I can engage my clients and demonstrate how they can be digitally connected with tools like money transfers, and managing digital wallet applications. 
 
How do you see your role evolving over the next 10 years?
I think we are already changing, and moving towards a way of working that is about collaboration and providing helpful advice. I think flexibility, convenience, and time are always key drivers and the competition is not just with the traditional banks but with fintechs out there -- so it's a rapidly changing environment, and RBC recognizes this. We need to provide more options to our clients and offer mobility by bringing the bank to our clients, offering new and improved platforms and tools while retaining the human element.
 
Your life motto?
I believe everybody in the world, every person has a purpose. And for me, I think my purpose is to help my clients with their financial needs. I’ve been doing it for a long time and I enjoy it. My other purpose is to raise my three daughters to grow and become strong independent women and I’ve got a husband who is a supporting and loving partner and they’re the reason I continue to work on being the best that I can be.

Ready to experience your career’s Best Moments? Join our Financial Planning team at jobs.rbc.com/FinancialPlanning

This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.