Baltimore Finance Executive Makes Successful Career Transition
Christopher J. Connolly, Executive Director for UBS Financial Services in Baltimore knows about transferring skills from the playing field to the business world. Connolly has now been in financial services for about 20 years since starting out in Baltimore with Morgan Stanley in 1995.
How did you get started in financial services?
"I signed a professional baseball contract with the Kansas City Royals in 1991 directly out of Radford University after obtaining my degree in business and economics. I was offered a financial incentive to join the team, and my father encouraged me to invest the money with a financial advisor instead of spending it on some luxury item. I worked closely with my advisor from day one. During my playing career, I followed the investments daily and was quickly attracted to a career in asset management."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"Informally, my baseball career helped me to appreciate many different perspectives, which is important in business. In my current role as a manager, my degree provides a foundation for the understanding of many of the policies and procedures we apply on a daily basis."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"The study habits and lessons I learned in college have assisted me in obtaining the many industry licenses and certifications required to operate as a financial advisor. In particular, I took an investment economics course that outlined derivatives and options related strategies. Over my career, I have referred back to the concepts learned here many times."
What is some advice you can offer others interested in becoming a financial advisor?
"I have seen many successful financial advisors transition from professions such as teaching, military and sales because our industry is client-focused and requires strong personal skills: listening, speaking, and helping people pursue their goals. Additionally, financial policy and strategy is complicated and frequently changes. It is extremely important to create a strong knowledge base at the beginning and to stay current through continuing education. This can help an advisor become a trusted resource and valued partner to clients."
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.