People Skills Help Drive Success in Wealth Management
After working as a summer intern during university and completing the required Canadian Securities Institute (CSI) courses, Catherine Groleau joined RBC Dominion Securities in 2009 as a rookie investment advisor. A lawyer by trade, she left a job in a national law firm in Montreal to move back to Trois-Rivieres to start a new opportunity in a new field. 

One of the reasons Catherine was drawn to making the switch from law to finance was career flexibility. “It’s like starting your own business, with all the support and resources RBC and Dominion Securities has to offer,” she explains. “You have the liberty to build your own business plan, design your work schedule, and decide where you want to invest most of your energy and time.”

Plus, she says, you get what you put in. “Every effort you put into your business has a direct impact on your success, just like an entrepreneur. It’s very fulfilling.”
Flexible work
Photo: Catherine Groleau, Portfolio Manager
A Changing Industry


The industry has evolved considerably over the last decade where the role of the advisor has expanded beyond just managing investments to helping their clients and their families navigate through all of life’s moments.

Catherine believes traits like good listening skills and empathy have helped her succeed in this relationship-driven business. “Being able to relate to prospect or clients’ needs, values and priorities allows me to be a better advisor to them. In a changing business in which wealth management is a lot more than money management or "stock picking", those softer skills are key,” she says.

Supportive Resources

Groleau also points out many women-focused groups and events at RBC Dominion Securities that have helped her grow, such as the Women’s Advisory Board and the annual Women Advisor Symposium. She explains they create a sense of community and provide an opportunity for advisors to learn from one another. 

Catherine says there are so many great aspects to working at RBC Dominion Securities, but the most rewarding part is helping people.

“The feeling you get when new clients decide to trust you with their finances, or when you feel you really made a difference for a client with the advice and service you provided.” She adds, “You develop a relationship with your clients, and you feel like you can have a positive impact and make a difference in their lives.”


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.

Hear from more RBCers

 RBCers share how they discovered meaningful work, a sense of belonging and the opportunity to learn and grow.
Explore More Stories