Schwab employee resource groups launch multi-tiered mentorship programs

Of mentorship, writer John C. Crosby noted, “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push into the right direction.”

And that’s exactly the relationship Michelle Q. of the Santa Barbara, CA Branch and her mentor, Bernardo C., of the La Jolla Branch, say they’ve managed to establish.

Michelle currently serves as an associate financial consultant (AFC) and aspires to grow a long-term career supporting clients with Schwab.

“Bernardo has taught me a lot during our mentorship,” smiles Michelle. “I’m learning to be more patient, to see things from another perspective and to have a professional partner to help work through challenges.”

Schwab’s new multi-tiered mentorship program is the brainchild of program manager Matt G., who’s based in San Francisco, and a team of Employee Resource Group leaders from across the firm. Matt says the program is unique.

“Mentorship is increasingly important as we navigate this virtual world,” says Matt. “It helps people increase their network and stay connected during a time when that can be a struggle for all of us.”

Interested Schwabbies can select one of three ways to engage:

• Group Match: One mentor meets regularly with a virtual group of six to 10 people.


• Guided Match: One-to-one match, where mentees are paired with a thoughtfully selected mentor. Pairs meet monthly and guided learning is provided.


• Self-Match: This opportunity works somewhat like an online dating site, where participants fill out a profile and are matched to a mentor who meets their criteria.

Uniquely, Schwab’s mentorship program is also launching to connect legacy TDA employees with their new Schwab colleagues to help smooth the transition to their new professional home.

These programs compliment Schwab’s formal mentoring program for colleagues of color, which connects diverse employees to senior and executive level mentors.

“The feedback we’ve received on these new programs is tremendous,” says Matt. “Participants say it’s some of the most rewarding work they’ve done in their careers.  And that’s one of my favorite things about working at Schwab. We create opportunities for our colleagues and focus on making a difference for our employees.”