From Intern to Financial Advisor to Branch Director

In her own words, Heather Reed shares how her career grew at RBC Wealth Management.
Heather Reed Headshot
Heather Reed is the Branch Director of the RBC Wealth Management office in Eugene, Oregon. 
When I first walked into the RBC Wealth Management offices as a young college intern in 2010, I didn’t know where I wanted to be in a year, let alone 15. Reflecting back on my career, I recognize how fortunate I was to work with leaders who appreciated my talents, saw my potential and gave me the chance to map out my career as I grew within the company. Despite growing up with family members who were financial advisors, it wasn’t until my exposure to this firm and all the potential paths it had within that I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.

I had many interests and graduated from Purdue University with a bachelor’s degree in economics, marketing and military science. Having come from the ROTC program, I spent some time in the Army National Guard as a first lieutenant responsible for the communication and technology that supported combat units.
My army drills took place at the same time as many of my RBC roles, and I was able to do both simultaneously thanks to my supportive managers. That was my initial exposure to the welcoming culture of RBC. I didn’t have to give up one passion to pursue another.
Heather is photographed with former U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis. 
I've held 10 different roles at the company, spanning a variety of specialties, including technology, coaching and eventually sales. I’ve always been self-driven and motivated, but the mentorship I’ve had at RBC helped me to fully explore the opportunities available in the industry. It didn’t always come easy. I worked hard and used my Army experience to be agile and responsive, to find creative ways of solving problems. My experience taught me to work through different communication styles and navigate hierarchy.

I spent about a year in the technology training world, then became a practice development specialist and teams consultant. I was ready for another challenge when I took a position as a wealth management consultant covering the Pacific Northwest region—each role deepening my relationships with financial advisors and teams in the field, getting more exposure to how some of the best practices are run. I got to know fantastic people and began thinking about the possibility of becoming a financial advisor myself.
Branch employees volunteer at the Grass Roots Garden. 
Pivoting to a commission-based role was a difficult decision to make. It came with different challenges that required transitioning and transforming a business by finding my own way of connecting and establishing meaningful relationships with clients. But I’ve had great mentors, a business partner I formed a great bond with, and the trust of my team, management and clients. I found my niche! My team is called “Seva,” which means the act of compassion and caring for others above ourselves. The more I give to these client relationships and my team, the more I’m fulfilled. Whether it’s overcoming a financial challenge, fraught feelings about money, helping clients find peace or navigating the intricacies of estate planning by their side, I feel honored to get to help clients gain confidence and clarity every day.

A word from our lawyers

This article offers general information only and is not intended as legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. While information presented is believed to be factual and current, its accuracy is not guaranteed and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subject matter discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the author(s) as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or its affiliates.

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