Employee Stories

Eric Aldama,

Financial Consultant
Folsom, CA

Employee since 2005

What motivated me to join Schwab was the focus on client relationships.
That’s what I wanted more of—not just being a stock jockey, but really doing what’s best for the client.  My clients are diverse. I work with retirees, busy professionals and business owners. These are intelligent people who can manage their own portfolios, but want to use their time doing other things. So they depend on me to do it for them. They quickly learn that I do not work on trade commissions. I think it’s a surprise to some people—that there’s a difference between someone like me and my counterparts at other firms.

Lisa Chu,

Financial Consultant
Cupertino, CA

Employee since 1997

My first job with Schwab was with the international side of the business.
I’m fluent in Mandarin and understand the needs of the immigrant community. If you’re an immigrant, as I am, it’s very important to find a person or company you can trust. Today, as a financial consultant, I have many clients who are first or second generation immigrants. They are looking for various services and don’t always understand their options. Frequently they’ll call me and say “Here’s what someone told me. Should I do this?” They know I’m looking out for their best interests. I know how good it feels when you find someone you can trust.

Tara Oliva,

Financial Consultant
Columbus, OH

Employee since 2005

I joined Schwab because I like the autonomy and I like to take responsibility for my own success.
That said, there’s also a lot of teamwork in my office, and my manager is involved with us daily. I have all the tools and support I need to do well. I spend a lot of time getting to know my clients and understanding their dreams, goals and fears. Many of them are self-directed but also cautious. I find I can have very meaningful conversations with these folks, and help them identify goals and appropriate investment vehicles to help achieve those goals.

Financial Consultant
Salt Lake City, UT

Employee since 2004

I came to Schwab because the people I know who work here love it.

The environment at Schwab is something to feel good about. I like the independent nature of my work, and that’s another reason Schwab is a good fit for me. My main goal is to bring in clients and keep them here. The way to do that is to give clients advice and help make sure their assets are in the right place for their life situation.

“Joining Charles Schwab has been one of the greatest choices in my life thus far.
A lot of people say wonderful things about their careers, without having those feelings deep within from whom they work for. I feel loyalty, trust, belonging, and growth through my profession. The time and effort that the company invests in their employees is phenomenal. The main purpose of my job is helping clients through phone interaction. It is a give and take relationship, given the fact that we teach each other new and exciting things everyday. We help each other to grow and succeed. Even though I do not see my clients, it feels as if we talk face to face. What a better career to have than that!"

“My opportunity in client phone services started with Schwab after I had been a financial advisor at other firms for about four years.
My position is one where I can truly apply and practice the customer-focused environment that Schwab signifies. I really enjoy the daily client interaction and the personal satisfaction that comes from helping and solving the needs of the client. It’s not just assisting with their immediate question, but also finding out the real needs of the client and then presenting the best solution from all of Schwab’s financial resources to deliver a ‘wow’ experience for the client. Schwab gives me the tools to create positive interactions with clients, and allows me to resolve many client issues at the point of contact. This enables me to satisfy the client quickly and efficiently. It’s a great feeing when you have a satisfied client and makes you proud to work for Schwab.”

“I started my career with Schwab shortly after I emigrated from China.
With the help and support from my colleagues and managers, I have successfully overcome the culture shock. And with all levels of training programs in place, I have learned a variety of operational functions required to serve our clients. Schwab offers many opportunities for professional growth, and I am now a member of the operations management team. In my role, I work with different organizations across the company to meet our clients’ needs with the best solutions. I’m proud of the letters and emails we receive from clients, expressing their appreciation of our services and informing us of their additional needs.”

“I really enjoy my job at Schwab because I get to learn about the consumer and figure out how to make their everyday financial lives better. 
It's not every company that dedicates itself to make everyone financially fit.  From doing market research several times a year with clients and non-clients to conducting client survey work, Schwab is very interested in learning what the consumer has to say. This is very motivating and makes you feel good about coming to work every day.  Plus, when you're surrounded by coworkers who have a similar goal - life is a lot more interesting and you feel like you're truly part of a team.”

Christine Harrington,

Senior Manager
Denver, CO

Employee since 1995

“When I first began working with Schwab Institutional, the company was full of positive energy and I was surrounded by people who loved what they did—something I hadn’t experienced at previous companies. My manager’s dedication to the vision and values of the firm was foremost in every decision he made and he instilled that in everyone who worked for him. Over the years, I’ve had many opportunities to grow and advance my career with Schwab. For me, what sets Schwab apart is the professionalism, respect and personal connection to every member on the team. I have done the best work of my career here, and I look forward to many more years of it.”

Don McAdang,

Director, Central Marketing
San Francisco, CA

Employee since 1993

“I knew the company was different from the moment I joined nearly 15 years ago.
Having worked as both a branch representative and headquarters employee, there is one thing I’ve observed as constant — employee commitment to making a genuine difference in the lives of others. Collaboration, creative thinking and the spirit of community are hallmarks of Schwab. It’s what keeps employees energized, engaged and enriched. Schwab really is a place where people can do the best work of their lives. I certainly feel like on I’m on that path.”

Jim Lippincott,

Senior Operations Specialist
Denver, CO

Employee since 1999

“I initially applied for a job at Schwab because I knew the reputation of the company. I’ve stayed all these years because I realized that it’s more than just a job.
People here are definitely client-focused and have a pride not only in what they do, but in how they serve other people.”

Robin DeGracia,

Manager
San Francisco, CA

Employee since 2007

“After graduating from my MBA program, I wanted a product management position that would allow me to focus on the consumer market.
What I found was a position and a company that let me do just that, making the focus of my job the client experience. Everyday I have to think to myself, “What would the client want?” and then I work from there. I love that the client, and not the company, comes first. To add icing to the cake, the company's core values matched with mine. As the product manger for IRA accounts, I work closely with operations, client web services, and marketing communications to make sure all aspects of the client experience with learning about, opening and maintaining an IRA runs smoothly. I also work closely with other groups in the organization to educate the clients about retirement savings and spending in general. I love the fact that I am working on something I know my friends and family will not only see, but also use.”