| Name: | Soleman Mozammel |
| Current Role: | Financial Services Manager |
| Location: | Toronto, ON |
| "I get offers to work at other banks, but BMO® is my choice. I’m happy and successful here." | |
I immigrated to Canada with my family in 2002, and found it difficult to get a good job even though I had an MBA and BBA from England and a background in international business, finance, and banking. It was tough, and we struggled. In 2004, a BMO recruiter saw my resume on an Internet job site and offered me an interview. I was hired on Christmas Eve 2004 as a Financial Services Manager. The manager who hired me was an angel. She took a chance on me even though I didn’t have Canadian financial work experience because she could see I had the drive to succeed - I will never forget how she was there for me. These days, I get offers to work at other banks, but BMO is my choice. I’m happy and successful here. | |
| "In 2007 I was recognized as one of BMO’s ‘Best of the Best’ in Ontario." | |
My first two years at BMO were a learning experience, but I worked hard and grew quickly. In 2007 I was recognized as one of BMO’s “Best of the Best,” and won “Pinnacle of Sales” in Ontario for my high sales numbers. That same year, I accepted the offer of being an Assistant Branch Manager and took on administrative responsibilities in addition to my FSM role. Later, I realized that I prefer working face-to-face with customers, so I went back to being a Financial Services Manager in 2008, this time doing more complex transactions. | |
| "I’m honest, and treat our customers as I would want to be treated." | |
The distinguishing factor for BMO is our high standard of customer service. My philosophy with customers is to listen to understand their needs, and then go out of my way to meet them. I always let them know what timelines to expect and try to provide context to help them understand what’s going on at our end – basically, I’m honest, and treat them as I would want to be treated. | |
| "Communication skills are essential for this job, or any job." | |
I think time management and communication skills are essential for this job, or any job. Bank-specific knowledge like products, systems, and services can be taught as long as you’re willing to learn. My background in finance and economics has been really helpful because I understand the markets and can offer customers a little extra advice to help them make good decisions. Although a formal education isn’t required for this job, you have to have a passion for finance and stay current with the news, housing market and economics so customers know you’re knowledgeable. | |
| "The Financial Services Manager role has a lot of potential – it is what you make of it." | |
The Financial Services Manager role has a lot of potential – it is what you make of it. It’s a multi-dimensional job that uses a number of skills, and there are numerous opportunities for growth. It’s possible to go into a more managerial role from here, such as a Branch Manager, or Assistant Branch Manager. It’s also possible to go into commercial lending or investments. I love working directly with the customers, so my goal is to challenge myself in my current role and be in the top tier of lending targets. I also plan to begin a doctorate degree part time next year, because I love teaching and research. My advice to everyone is to know yourself and do the work you love to do. Don’t give up, even if you struggle at first. If you dig deep and work hard, success will come to you. | |
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