Q&A with Crystal W.: How she found her place at Vanguard
Transitioning from insurance to finance was a big step for Crystal W. Learn how support, continuous learning, and new opportunities have helped her build her career at Vanguard.
Starting a new career can feel daunting, but support can make all the difference. Crystal W. knows this firsthand. From transitioning from insurance to finance to pursuing new learning opportunities, she’s found the resources, support, and community to help her grow at Vanguard.
What stood out to you most during your first few weeks at Vanguard?
I’m a very relationship-focused person, so I was impressed with the many ways to connect and really embrace the Vanguard culture. There are some great Crew Resource Groups for crew to explore. I joined WILS (Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success) and Community 365 for volunteer opportunities. There are also many crew-created interest communities to take part in!
Another thing that stood out to me is seeing how welcoming the community at Vanguard is. So many people on crew came from different backgrounds and brought different experiences. Seeing that reassured me that the skills I’ve built over the years are a great fit here at Vanguard. While I was a little nervous about transitioning from insurance to finance, once I made the leap, it felt natural.
Why did you choose Vanguard?
What really attracted me to Vanguard was the investment in their crew and their clients. Up to this point, I had spent much of my career in what I call “reactive customer service”, where people reach out to a customer service representative because they’re having a problem. My last position in customer service was in personal insurance policy services and auto claims for about seven years.
While that role allowed me to connect and help people during difficult times in their lives, I wanted to have a larger positive impact. I want to help people prepare for the future and gain peace of mind by being proactive rather than reactive.
It’s also important to me to work somewhere I feel supported and valued. On the client side, I appreciate Vanguard’s focus on doing what’s best for investors. That commitment to both clients and crew played a big role in my decision to join the company.
Which skills have been most important in your role so far?
By far, having a growth mindset and being willing to ask questions. Curiosity is its own reward! Time management and attention to detail have also been extremely important because the licensing process is challenging, but completely doable.
Can you share how resources or support at Vanguard are helping you navigate this process?
The amount of support and resources available at Vanguard to conquer licensing is great! We have thorough online training materials and mentors available. Whether we’re in office or remote, we can connect with our peers to discuss topics, bounce ideas, or take a breather and get to know each other.
What was the process of passing your SIE like?
I had approximately four weeks to study. Everyone has their own method, but I learn best by teaching concepts back to someone else. I spent about four hours a day reading the materials and taking practice tests. In fact, I would often “teach” the material to my dog.
For example, when learning about different categories of risk, I would say the concepts out loud and explain what I was learning to help reinforce my understanding.
Can you imagine my sweet dog, Payson, and my fiancé, Randy, patiently listening with a nod and a smile every time I said, “Did you know…?” before launching into another financial concept? They were both incredibly supportive throughout the process.
What excites you most about what’s ahead in your career at Vanguard?
Any day I am learning something new is an exciting day for me. Finance is a new industry for me, so I look forward to getting settled into my role as a Client Relationship Associate.
Beyond that, I’m excited to learn about the many career opportunities available, such as Vanguard’s pathways to earning the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. I plan on visiting the career center as well, to explore what other paths may be available that would fit my interests and skills.
What advice would you give to crew pursuing a similar path?
It took a long time to learn that I can’t wait around for someone else to recognize and call out my potential. While that could happen, I need to be my own champion and take charge of my career.
I demonstrate this by remembering my motto: To always live curiously, take chances, and believe in yourself.
To expand on that, you need to bring your gifts and talents to the table, even if it is completely new for you. It’s essential to try new things, because that’s how you grow. And finally, embrace this opportunity with an open and teachable mindset, because you will get out of the experience what you put into it.
—Crystal W.
