To some, finance can seem like a man’s world—but Fidelity Investments is helping set a new standard. The multinational financial services company is already pacing above the industry average and has made it a priority to attract more women to financial services (Interested? Apply here!). Together, we’re highlighting women who are thriving in finance, to hear their experiences, and get their best career advice. Below, Tricia, a VP Branch Office Manager at Fidelity Investments with 19+ years of experience in financial services shares her tips.
What is your favorite part about your workday?
My favorite part of my workday is seeing my associates succeed. One of my business beliefs is that I can’t be successful unless my associates are successful, and when I see their accomplishments—and the success that it brings them—it makes me incredibly happy.
For our readers out there who are trying to land their dream jobs at a company like Fidelity Investments, what are your best interview tips?
One of my best tips actually comes before the interview: Don’t just wait for the job you want to be posted. Instead, if you want to work for a particular company, proactively send in your resume. Alternatively, you can go on LinkedIn and see if you can find out who the manager is, and see if you can get an informational interview. A sought-after company will most likely have a good batch of potential candidates already, and you want to make sure you’re in that pool BEFORE they post a position or start interviewing.
You work at one of the world’s largest financial services companies. What is one common misconception people may have about working in the financial services industry?
Whenever someone finds out I work in financial services, one of the first things that they always ask is “what’s the next hot stock?” or “which stocks should I buy?” I then explain that what we do at Fidelity Investments entails comprehensive planning for clients and is so much more than just picking stocks. It’s also a lot less about crunching numbers and much more about getting to know our clients to build financial plans best for their specific needs.
What does work/life balance mean to you?
Work/life balance is the freedom to have obligations outside of work. In the last four years, I bought my first home, went back to school to get my MBA and got a new puppy! All of those things were competing priorities to my career. I think most of us know what it’s like to have to come in late to the office because you have to meet a plumber for some sort of emergency at home—home ownership can be time-consuming! I had been thinking about going back to school to get my MBA for several years, and the flexibility here at Fidelity Investments has allowed me to do that.
What’s the best and worst professional advice you’ve ever been given?
The best advice I’ve ever been given comes from my dad, which is to always take pride in your work, no matter what job you have to get done. The worst advice came when I was thinking of applying for a new job across the country. A co-worker of mine told me that he had heard through the rumor mill that the job may be going away and to not bother applying. I didn’t take that advice, and I applied, got the job and moved. That taught me to not always believe what you hear – if you want something, work for it and go for it.
Networking is incredibly important in every industry. What are your best tips on finding a mentor and networking?
Finding a mentor can be as simple as asking someone that you really admire and respect to chat about your career path. I have several official mentorship relationships, and I also have an informal mentor/mentee relationship with one of my former managers. Maintaining a healthy network of trusted coworkers can also go a long way when you really need to talk to someone or need help solving a problem. Above all, to have a good mentor means to be a good mentor, so always look for opportunities in which you can help others. When you give, you get.
How does the culture at your company empower you to blaze your own trail?
One of the most essential parts of a company culture is support from the leader. My manager is very supportive of different ideas I want to try, and has allowed me to implement them. I feel like I can bring up different ideas and concerns and be heard. When you know that you have that kind of support, it allows for more outside-of-the-box thinking.