During the BCIT Finance Association Industry Round Table event in April, we had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Ajit Amar, Branch Manager for the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Newton Branch. Ajit graduated from BCIT in 2001 with a Financial Management diploma, and in 2005, completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree.
What made you decide to complete the Financial Management diploma at BCIT?
“I had heard that the program prepares students for careers in finance, and I had a passion for wanting to help others achieve their goals and dreams by providing financial advice. I chose BCIT because I heard teachers and other trusted individuals speak highly of BCIT as a job-ready school. You get to work collaboratively in a team environment, which speaks to how you will engage and interact in the workforce.”
Can you describe your career path at RBC?
“I worked my way through RBC in various roles, picking up different types of experience. I was a Client Advisor, Banking Advisor, Financial Advisor, Assistant Branch Manager, and my current role is Branch Manager. These experiences helped me better understand how we help our clients, work with different roles within the bank, and collaboratively work as one team. These roles gave me the knowledge and skills to succeed in my current position.”
What qualities must one possess to succeed as a financial advisor?
“Self-driven, motivated, focused, hardworking, and willing to invest in oneself by learning how to engage with technology and clients.”
Do you have any advice to share with students about managing their finances?
“Different financial institutions offer many digital tools, but the simplest thing is to have a budget—know your fixed and variable expenses, what you can do to increase your savings, and save with a purpose or goal. RBC offers a variety of tools—one that I recommend is NOMI.”
What advice can you give BCIT students to succeed in networking?
- Take the opportunity to connect with many industry professionals—you never know which conversation will open up opportunities
- Tell your story—who you are, what you have done, and what you’re about
- Share your passion about what drives you as an individual
- Be curious and open to learning
- Know what you want to gain from the networking—what is your purpose?
What is your most important ‘why’?
“My biggest ‘why’ (for my current role) is working with clients and making a difference in their lives, so they can achieve their dreams and goals, and helping my team members continue along their career journeys to develop further and grow and move on to bigger and better opportunities.”
About Ask BCIT Alumni
The Ask BCIT Alumni series features BCIT School of Business + Media graduates in their chosen field and industry. We ask them about their professional journey, have them share career advice, and ask them to provide insights about their line of work to help guide and inspire fellow BCIT students and graduates. Through their unique experience, leadership perspective, and involvement in the community, we provide an avenue to highlight and amplify our BCIT alumni message and story.