Editors Note: In future issues, Smart Women Smart Money Magazine wants to highlight industry professionals who excel in their field. Our hope is to connect our readers with professionals who can help them in their financial journey. We also aim to inspire women to consider professions that support financial literacy efforts for individuals and their families.

What advice would you give young women just starting their careers who are considering the financial advising profession?

Demonstrating you are able to develop good relationships is key to this relationship-driven business. Reach out to Financial Advisors in your community and ask for their advice. Identify a Financial Advisor whose business you admire and ask them to be your mentor. Develop advocates who will nominate you for internships and recommend you for job openings. Be open to exploring different stepping stones to becoming a Financial Advisor. Wells Fargo Advisors has a variety of innovative programs to bring highly motivated individuals into the company. As a manager, I love to talk to women who are interested in working in our industry and am always happy to have a conversation to see if it’s a good fit. Never hesitate to reach out directly to managers like myself. We like to see the initiative.

What advice would you give a woman considering the financial advising profession with some experience who is looking to change careers?

First off I would say I’m glad you are considering a career as a Financial Advisor as I think women are well suited for the role and underrepresented in the industry. As Financial Advisors we have a unique opportunity to help people realize their goals. My advice is to connect with Financial Advisors you know through your community involvement to discuss how they built their practice, what they like about the business, and what the challenges are. If you are interested in looking deeper ask them to introduce you to their manager or reach out directly to a hiring manager like myself to explore opportunities. Often times there are established Financial Advisors looking to add to their team. This is a great way to enter the business. Wells Fargo Advisors also has several paths to help new advisors start their practice. We are always looking for good talent and would love to have a conversation with anyone interested in what we do and why we do it. 

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC, Members SIPC, separate registered broker-dealers and non-bank affiliates of Wells Fargo & Company.