Fidelity s EmployeeTestimonials Julie Rieseck Cleveland State University Volleyball Fidelity Job Title: Financial Consultant Year joined Fidelity: 2015 Greatest Accomplishment in your sports career: Full ride NCAA Division I Scholarship What influenced your decision to work for Fidelity? I was initially referred by a friend. After the initial interview, I became attracted to the culture, the tremendous opportunity for professional growth within the company and the daily challenge/competitiveness of a sales position that I was missing in my position at the time. Page 1 of 14
What is the greatest asset you feel you bring to your team members as a former college athlete? It is hard to narrow it down to just one but determination, true understanding of teamwork and personal accountability of my own consequences and results. How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? There are a number of skill sets acquired by collegiate athletes that are sometimes only understood by those who have gone through it. Being a collegiate athlete has taught me to set goals, hold myself accountable and to utilize my resources/team to get the job done. How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? As a new Financial Consultant to Fidelity, I am still establishing my business and learning how Fidelity operates. So far, I feel my support system here at Fidelity has provided me with the proper tools, resources and guidance coupled with the right amount of independency to be successful at what I do. I am not quite where I want to be professionally but do feel Fidelity has the right culture, opportunity and values to get me there. Page 2 of 14
What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? Don t give up! Being a collegiate athlete is one of the most mentally and physically challenging tasks you will ever go through but it is all worth it. The lessons learned on your journey are priceless and something only a collegiate athlete can relate to. You will find a level of determination and perseverance that you didn t know existed within yourself. Page 3 of 14
Robert Elliot Bradley University Baseball Fidelity Job Title: Relationship Manager Year joined Fidelity: 2014 Greatest Accomplishment in Sports Career: Bradley Kirby Puckett Gold Glove award 2008 and 2009 What Influenced my Decision to work at Fidelity? Upon graduation and entering the workforce I realized the importance of creating a sound financial plan in order to budget and save to set up me and my family to live a comfortable life. I thought that Fidelity would be a great opportunity to not only help myself attain my own financial goals, but to also have the ability to positively impact people on a daily basis. What is the greatest asset you feel you bring your team members as a former college athlete? Hard work and Diligence, in preparing myself for the Series 7 and 63 as I was hired by Fidelity, I couldn t help but relate to a daily grind of 5:30 a.m. weight lifting, followed by a days worth of classes, followed by baseball practice and capped off by completing homework in study hall at night... Page 4 of 14
Each day was a challenge and had to be very diligent to ensure success on the field and in the classroom, I thought studying for the Series 7 was that type of a commitment to ensure success and get properly licensed. How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? Being a collegiate athlete helped prepare me for my career at Fidelity for many reasons. For example, I utilize some of my strengths of supporting a team based environment on a daily basis. Whether that be collaborating on a local event, improving current processes or how to best develop business for Fidelity, we reach towards a common goal as a team. How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? I saw Fidelity as a great company that treats their employees well and put them in the position to succeed. From the product and service line up we have in the Industry, to the compensation structure and employee benefits, I have the pleasure of working for a firm that is invested in my own success. From an early period, it was made known that Fidelity rewards their employees based on tangible results even if that means a promoting opportunity for folks without long tenure. The ability for us to compare yourself to another representative in the same role as you within the market, or nation, brings out my competitive nature as a former athlete as well. Page 5 of 14
What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? My advice would be simple. Skills and work ethic is transferable. There were times in my own experience that I was nervous about my lack of internships or industry experience while looking to join the workforce, however, through my experience with Fidelity I have realized that our firm will give good people good opportunities. I don t claim to be the smartest person in the room, but I take pride in my work ethic and my appetite for learning in our ever-changing industry, I am extremely confident that my skills through being an athlete my whole life has put me in a position to succeed within a firm I am proud to work for. Page 6 of 14
Brenton Simonson Ohio University Baseball Fidelity Job Title: Financial Consultant Year joined Fidelity: 2008 Greatest Accomplishment in your sports career: Cincinnati Reds Major League Baseball tryout invitation What influenced your decision to work for Fidelity? I was attracted to the strong brand image and the supportive culture the company provides. What is the greatest asset you feel you bring to your team members as a former college athlete? I feel I bring a positive attitude and a sentiment of perseverance to my team. I learned from my days in athletics that the team or player that is most talented can be overpowered by those that outwork them. How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? I learned time management and how to become self sufficient. I also learned how to work together with others during difficult times. Page 7 of 14
How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? They both have provided a team/family atmosphere. At both levels it was clear that the objective was to win, but we could also enjoy the ride along the way. What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? Don t be afraid to ask for help, and always remember to invest in yourself. Page 8 of 14
Dore Provda Queens College, CUNY Martial Arts Fidelity Job Title: VP; FC Year joined Fidelity: 2012 Greatest Accomplishment in your sports career: Winning first place in the very first tournament I ever entered What influenced your decision to work for Fidelity? Fidelity s reputation for high ethical standards and recognition of hard work. What is the greatest asset you feel you bring to your team members as a former college athlete? A sense of leadership that we all share a common goal and have different strengths that we draw upon. We learn from each other to master our own, individual, paths to success. How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? Far and away, the self-discipline to stay on track combined with the integrity to do the right thing. Page 9 of 14
How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? Far and away, the self-discipline to stay on track combined with the integrity to do the right thing. How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? In a solo sport, like the martial arts, you are on center stage. Fidelity values the confidence that comes along with that preparation to present. Fidelity, also, shares the focus of a goal-oriented process that is seen in the martial arts. What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? The professional world is much like training for an event; there is competition, a sense of fair-play and preparation is the key. I would advise to stay disciplined and goal-oriented to success. Page 10 of 14
Andrew Buergler Winthrop University Golf Fidelity Job Title: Investment Consultant Year joined Fidelity: 2010 Greatest Accomplishment in your sports career: Making it to the Semi-Finals (Top-4) of the 2007 Carolina s Amateur Championship: A tournament that identifies the best golfer in the states of North and South Carolina. What influenced your decision to work for Fidelity? I was influenced to work at Fidelity by 2 employees of the firm. Both expressed sincere satisfaction with their career path and quality of the firm. One of the employees was an mentor and trusted friend of mine. What is the greatest asset you feel you bring to your team members as a former college athlete? Resiliency: in sport, especially golf, you are going to experience challenges that you have an opportunity to turn into a positive or a negative. The ball does not always bounce your way. I am able to maintain a positive attitude and fight through the challenges pulling from my experiences in college sports. Page 11 of 14
How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? My time as a college athlete taught me the valuable lesson of time management. I had to balance school, sports, and the normal life of a college student effectively, in order to be successful. I learned to become efficient in my daily activities which has become invaluable to my current role at Fidelity. How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? Fidelity aligns perfectly with my values as a former college athlete. Fidelity provides a challenging atmosphere athletes crave while allowing us the opportunity to create the career path we envision. What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? My advice to athletes transitioning to the professional world is maintain the attributes that took you to the heights of your athletic career. Identify a workplace that will provide a similar challenge as your sport of choice. This will be most rewarding long-term.my advice to athletes transitioning to the professional world is maintain the attributes that took you to the heights of your athletic career. Identify a workplace that will provide a similar challenge as your sport of choice. This will be most rewarding long-term. Page 12 of 14
Meghan Gazzola Saginaw Valley State University Soccer Fidelity Job Title: Financial Consultant Year joined Fidelity: 2012 Greatest Accomplishment in your sports career: Playing against a great D1 School and winning, this is a huge accomplishment to me, because my late grandfather watched me win this game. What influenced your decision to work for Fidelity? Fidelity has an amazing mission for our clients, working for this firm gives me great pride. I also love our culture, we have such a great team environment, that really feels like you work with family! What is the greatest asset you feel you bring to your team members as a former college athlete? Hard work, and team mentality! As a former college athlete, you know that hard work drives results, this is paramount for our day to day here! When you act as team, the goal is that much more achievable and you feel great knowing that you are successful and so are others around you. Page 13 of 14
How do you think your time as a collegiate athlete helped prepare you for a career at Fidelity? I feel that my background as an athlete prepared me for my career at Fidelity in many ways. One of which was practice. Although you are not running, or kicking a ball around all day long. You know mentally that you need to practice to become the best. Keeping that in mind helps me progress everyday here. How did Fidelity align with your values as a college athlete? Culturally this firm aligns with my values as an athlete and a professional. We are able to be involved in the community, which is something I loved when I playing soccer. As a student athlete you wear many hats. Teammate, student, role model, ect. Although the titles change here at the firm, the roles really have not. You are still a teammate, and your attitude plays a huge role. Be a positive force, and others will look to you to lead. What advice would you give to current student athletes as they transition into the professional world? Fidelity is an amazing place to work, as long as you put in the work, this company will support you in any path you choose. Being an athlete and transitioning into your career here at Fidelity, you are still able to fuel that competitive energy and drive inside of you, while making a difference! Page 14 of 14