´╗┐Name: Angela Fu
Company: Sun Life Financial
Position: sales manager
Employed: three years
Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
University of Windsor for computer science and business.
What drew you to your current field?
I enjoyed studying business finance at school. I wanted to become a professional in the financial field after I graduated.
How did you find your current position?
Two years ago, I was referred to a sales manager at Sun Life Financial who introduced me to the advisor career. I decided to pursue the career because of the opportunities to improve my personal values, to become a professional, and earn the income I wanted as a new graduate. As a new advisor I was very successful during my first two years. I qualified for the company's campaigns, Convention and other recognition programs. Because of my success, on my second anniversary as an advisor I was offered the opportunity to explore the management career path. Now, I have an exciting challenge in this new position.
Tell us a bit about your responsibilities.
As an advisor my main responsibilities were to build a client base and help those clients achieve to their goals. I also helped them start a financial plan to build and protect their financial needs, and find the best solutions for them. In my new position as a sales manager, I prospect for young professionals that would like a career in financial services. I look forward to training and coaching them, so that they can be as successful as I was as an advisor.
What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
Thinking of the advisor position as not a job but a business that you have to build is probably the most challenging part. However, if you are disciplined, committed, and persistent you will be able to build a rewarding business for yourself.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is developing relationships with my clients, and helping them to achieve their financial goals. The recognition that the Sun Life gives us is extremely rewarding as well.
What skills have you learned through your work experience?
Communication, sales techniques, time management, relationship building, self motivation, and organization skills. Also, you learn how to start up and build your own successful business.
What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Belief, consistency, persistence, professionalism, and to love what you do.
Is there one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
Being a new graduate in my first year as an advisor, and qualifying for the reward of attending Convention is an accomplishment I am proud of. In my first calendar year I received recognition as a Five Star qualifier because I achieved success in all of the sales campaigns and I had a high annual level of sales productivity. Also, being promoted to sales manager after two years in the business is an accomplishment that I am proud of.
What are your future career aspirations?
Continuing to improve myself, and take on more challenges. In the next phase of my career, I would like to become a financial centre manager and in the longer term, I would like to be in a high corporate position.
What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Take the opportunities to prove and improve yourself, be consistent, persistent, and have the belief and self confidence to achieve your dreams. jp
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