I train entry level financial services employees on how to provide superior customer service to the shareholders who own our mutual funds and the brokers who sell them. I provide the new employees with background knowledge of the financial industry, and then also the specific information and details that relate to our particular investment management firm.

EDUCATION | BA from University of Wisconsin, Madison. I also have my Series 7, 6, and 63.

HOW TO GET STARTED | If your goal is to be a trainer in the financial services sector it will help to get your financial licenses. Also,"Train the Trainer" offsite courses are helpful for individuals new to the training arena.

MUST HAVE TRAITS | Patient, Confident, Personable, Mentoring ability

how I got started | I started a job working as a customer service representative for a mutual fund company, a different company from the one I currently work at; then I moved into a different operational role, which consisted of back office work. While I was there I started teaching classes on the back office area while continuing to work as a back office liaison. I realized immediately that teaching suited me and that ultimately I would become a training specialist. From there, I was promoted to a supervisor of the call center/ training specialist and that's when I began teaching the new hires. I then transitioned into a similar role at new a company, it was here that I was able to focus on my passion, training new hires.

why this job?| Initially, I thought I was going to be a teacher, but after college I decided I wanted to go into the corporate world. I didn't realize then that I'd be able to combine my passion for teaching with helping people to understand complex financial industry concepts, as well as breaking it all down so it was easily understood. I love teaching people who know nothing about finance, I too was in their shoes, having graduated college without one business course under my belt. I enjoy the financial world, it's fascinating I like knowing about it and educating people as well.

why I love this job!| I love training employees that are brand new to the industry and work force. I love being able to teach people concepts and watching it click with them; it's just a great feeling watching new employees get a good grasp of the complex financial materials I set out for them. I also love that my role has flexibility, I not only train in the classroom, but I also create educational materials which are used as internal resources.

my typical day| When I am doing my six-week "new employee training" I'm in the classroom from 9-5. On days when I'm not training, I'm either creating educational materials or assisting the phone staff with their phone calls. I'm there to make sure they have the resources to do their job well and service our customers.

what they are | In terms of finance, the financial environment has changed alot over the past few years with new scenarios arising all the time that need to be addressed in a training forum. Making sure I have the knowledge and expertise to explain the complex material to the staff is essential and sometimes challenging. Another challenge is being on your feet all day; it can get quite tiring being on your feet from 9-5. Also, motivating people for six weeks as I guide them through course material can sometimes be a challenge.

all about growth | As long as financial service companies are still hiring customer service employees there will always be a need for someone to train them. The retention and movement in a call center, varies between financial firms. There is also room in some companies to move as a trainer to other departments or to move to company wide training.

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