Karen Snowdon-Steacy didn’t plan for her first job to be a jumping-off point for a lifelong career. As a young graduate, she had two requirements in her job search; she wanted to work at a bank and stay in Toronto. So she jumped at the chance to join RBC in an entry-level role as a teller. It was a great first foray into an industry that long intrigued her and one she wanted to know even more about.
Karen quickly moved into an administrative role at RBC’s Royal Trust division, where she got on-the-job training on how to support grieving families with trust administration. Whether it was transferring assets, filing tax returns or paying bills, Karen knew she was making a difference — and she wanted to do more. She took on greater responsibility, first as a risk assessor and later as a trust officer.
“I got so much satisfaction from being there for them,” Karen says, “You’re helping people at a vulnerable time to ensure their wishes are carried out. Empathy is so important, because these are difficult, emotional situations for families.”
Then, Karen started a family of her own.
Somewhere between nighttime feedings and first steps, a job opportunity outside of RBC came along. Another bank recruited Karen for a role that combined the administrative aspects she loved and direct interaction with clients – the part she loves the most. Her desire to learn and grow prompted her to say yes.
