| Name: | Patrick Graham |
| Current Role: | Investment Advisor |
| Location: | Perth, ON |
| "I’ve always had an affinity for wealth management, so when there was an opportunity to be an Investment Advisor back in Perth, I returned because I love living and working in this community." | |
I started my career at BMO® in 1996 as a Customer Service Representative while I was attending university in Kingston. I progressed through several part-time and full-time roles, such as Financial Services Manager and Financial Planner, at branches. I also worked in Human Resources for 2 years, at BMO’s Institute for Learning in Toronto. I’ve always had an affinity for wealth management, so when there was an opportunity to be an Investment Advisor back in Perth, I returned because I love living and working in this community. | |
| "The Investment Advisor role appeals to me because it involves deep client relationships, and allows me to be an entrepreneur." | |
My desire to be an Investment Advisor developed over a number of years. I had a good sense of what the job was like because I had worked with Investment Advisors before. The role appeals to me because it involves deeper client relationships than previous roles I’ve held, and allows me to be an entrepreneur. The Investment Advisor role requires a high degree of self-discipline and accountability, and I am confident that I can be successful because I’ve developed and honed these skills throughout my career. | |
| "A lot of what I do relates to maintaining relationships... my best days are when a customer thanks me for the work I’ve done – that’s a great feeling." | |
There are really two sides to this job. One side is very fact-based – it’s about prospecting, generating revenue, and understanding the markets. The other side requires strong interpersonal skills, because you have to be able to listen well and ask the right questions to discover what’s really important to a customer. Much of what I do relates to maintaining relationships. It’s a very rewarding job, because I can directly impact a customer’s well-being. My best days are when a customer thanks me for the work I’ve done – that’s a great feeling. | |
| "We have a great Investment Advisor training program at BMO, and a strong support framework. I feel as though I am well prepared... The rest is up to me!" | |
In my opinion, a formal education in finance is not the sole criteria to be successful in this job. I have found that the most successful Investment Advisors have great relationship skills and self-discipline. Everything else can be taught. We have a great Investment Advisor training program at BMO, and a strong support framework. I feel as though I am well prepared and stand the same chance of success as anyone. The rest is up to me! My time as a Financial Planner served as excellent preparation for the Investment Advisor role. It was invaluable because I learned about investments, our products, and how provide the best solutions to the customer. |
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| "I intend to keep learning through mentoring, as I have done throughout my career at BMO." | |
In order to be successful as an Investment Advisor, I need to stay where I am right now. I’m currently focused on finding ways to build my business in this area. I also intend to keep learning through mentoring, as I have done throughout my career at BMO. I have many informal mentoring relationships with people at all levels in the organization, and they have really helped me to succeed. I’m very happy to be here in this community, continuing to build relationships with my colleagues and customers! | |
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