| Name: | Tonya Bickford |
| Current Role: | Financial Services Manager |
| Location: | Elmira, ON |
| "I’m growing in my professional career, and I’m learning a lot in the process." | |
Before I came to BMO®, I worked in customer service positions at a grocery store and coffee shop. One day, I was approached by a BMO employee who recognized my customer skills and encouraged me to drop off my resume. I’d never even thought about banking before, but I decided to apply. I’m glad I did! I was hired, and I really enjoy my job. I’m growing in my professional career, and I’m learning a lot in the process. | |
| "If you’re willing to work hard and learn, you will be rewarded." | |
I first joined the Bank as a Customer Service Representative, which I did for 14 months before becoming a Financial Services Manager. This still involves working with customers in the branch, just doing different work. After 8 months, I moved again to a more complex Financial Services Manager role. This is a fairly common career path within a branch. The Financial Services Manager role is a serious job, but it’s really fun as well. I think that to do well in this role you need to have a foundation of great customer service skills – from smiling and making eye contact to being able to ask the right questions and take the initiative with customers. Other things, such as product knowledge and computer systems, you can learn on the job. I didn’t know anything about banking when I started. However, BMO was willing to teach me the ropes and provide training when needed. I spent a lot of time learning, and I worked very hard to progress to where I am now. Along the way, I’ve discovered that if you’re willing to work hard and learn, you will be rewarded – BMO doesn’t just let you sit there if you want to grow and develop. My manager encourages me to keep growing and increasing my skills. | |
| "I’m confident that I’m offering our customers the best solutions." | |
I enjoy the sales aspect of my job because I know our products so well that I’m confident I’m offering our customers the best financial solutions. I like to get to know my customers, and refer to them by name. I think every customer should experience this each time they talk to us – it really makes a big difference. I love working in the branch; it’s a very team-oriented environment and my manager is a great coach. I’ve received a lot of support from my area manager and feedback from my coworkers. It’s clear that BMO takes good care of its employees. | |
| "It’s a great time to be a Financial Services Manager at BMO." | |
It’s a great time to be a Financial Services Manager at BMO. I want to be the person who is there through the good times and the bad times, to reassure our customers. Since I live in a small town, people will remember me as that person in the future. I want them to know that I was there when they needed me – that’s really rewarding. | |
| "There are several career paths I may like to explore." | |
As far as what’s next for me, there are several career paths I may like to explore. Managerial opportunities such as Assistant Branch Manager or Branch Manager are one possibility, as is the investment side of banking. Right now, I’m really enjoying my current job, so I’d like to stay and continue to grow in this role for a while. | |
| Back | |
® Registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal.
