Antonio P. – Junior Associate to Data Analyst

What attracted you to the Junior Associate position at Fisher Investments?

My journey to becoming a Junior Associate (JA) was influenced by a combination of personal connections and professional aspirations. Growing up near the Camas office provided me with a unique advantage, allowing me to stay close to family and friends while exploring an exciting career opportunity. Hearing firsthand from friends who were JAs sparked my interest and inspired me to learn more about the role. The chance to join a fast-growing organization with huge potential for professional development and offering not just a part-time job, but a potential pathway to meaningful career growth was incredibly exciting.

I began my journey as a JA during my junior year of college, while pursuing a major in Business Management Information Systems. Over the course of one and a half years in the role, I gained invaluable experience that helped shape my career aspirations and professional development.

What fears did you have before starting?  What were you curious about before you started?

I experienced a mix of anticipation and nervousness about starting my role in a large, established company. Being early in my career, the idea of navigating a corporate environment felt both exciting and intimidating. My primary concern was finding my footing in a large organizational structure and proving value as a young professional.

I was curious about many things; how I would adapt, how would I integrate into the team's dynamic, how does one find a role after finishing college, could I contribute despite my limited professional experience, and how would I be supported while finishing up my last year and a half of school. I was relieved to learn that management and my team were all very supportive. Whether it was learning about Fisher Investments, ramping up during training, or managing a full-time workload in school, I never felt like it was a burden to anyone. If anything, I felt even more supported.

What were your responsibilities as a JA?

I began as a JA in our Private Client Group. A large part of my responsibilities revolved around providing support to our sales force to help them inform more potential clients about the services and support that Fisher offers. This was a great opportunity because I was able to gain valuable real world work experience while still excelling in school. My team really cared about the fact that I was in school and made sure I had the time to succeed by providing a flexible schedule and allowing me to work around my exams and other school obligations.

How did this experience set you up for success moving forward?

Being a JA very much set me up for success! I was able to connect with so many people, shadow several different roles to get an idea of what I may want to pursue upon graduation, and work on projects in my group and other groups too. What I enjoyed most being a JA was the problem-solving aspect of my work. Whether it was organizing information, streamlining processes, making sense of complexity, or tackling challenges, I found myself naturally drawn to tasks that required logic, structure, and finding efficiencies. I appreciated the exposure I got to different parts of the organization. It gave me a bird’s-eye view of how various teams operated and made me realize just how valuable data was across all departments. I started noticing how decisions were often backed by data and how much potential there was for growth in that area.

Where did you go after your JA role?

When my time as a JA was coming to an end as I neared graduation, I made sure to utilize all resources available to me to pursue a full-time role at Fisher. This included researching open roles, participating in shadow sessions, and seeking coaching from internal connections I had made. I first transitioned into a full-time role within the Institutional Group as a Data Analytics & Reporting Associate. From there, I had the opportunity to explore different areas of the firm, joining the Client Operations team first, then becoming a Business Intelligence Specialist, and now serving as Data Analyst within our Global Human Capital Group. Over the past seven-plus years, I’ve embraced unexpected opportunities across various parts of the firm. One of the most rewarding aspects of being at Fisher is the dynamic nature of career growth. Your next role or path is often open, but the support and encouragement from the organization makes every step of the journey fulfilling.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career right out of college?

My advice is to remain open to new opportunities, as you never know where they might lead you. Work hard, maintain a positive attitude, and advocate for yourself. Embrace discomfort when it arises, as it often leads to growth. Lastly, always strive to be a supportive teammate.