Career Development Analyst Employee at Fisher Investments

Kyra Smith

Career Development Analyst

Kyra’s role focuses on supporting learning and development initiatives by creating tools and resources for effective career education, planning, and rotation.

“We provide an incredible environment to work in every day, and it is the icing on the cake when you look at the company’s 50% 401(K) match up to the annual IRS maximum, 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision premiums, and our incredible paid time off program.”
- Kyra

What attracted you to work at your company? How did you know it would be a good fit?: When I first started exploring full-time job opportunities after graduating in 2014, I wasn’t looking for a finance role at all. I only took one finance course in college, so it was a shock when my friend—who had interned here at Fisher Investments—said she thought the firm would be a good fit for me and I would like the environment. My sights were set on working at a nonprofit company, one that I felt was making a difference and helping people, and I never really envisioned the finance industry doing that. However, after I learned more about Fisher, I decided to apply for a job and was hired in my first role as a Regional Sales Associate. Thinking about what makes Fisher a good fit for me, there’s a moment I reflect on that took place during my new employee onboarding. I was sitting in a company meeting and one of the senior leaders explained why we structure our business the way we do—to always keep our clients’ best interests first and help them achieve their financial goals. It really was a moment for me where I realized I’m at the right place making the significant difference I want to make. Working at Fisher, you feel that you are doing something good with your time that has a positive impact on employees and our clients.
What are you responsible for in your current role?: In my current role as a Career Development Analyst, I plan, execute, and evaluate key programming and development initiatives that assist our employees in their career development as they build lifelong Fisher careers. I’m still ramping up in my role, so learning about our three Learning Journeys (Associate, Analyst and Team Leader), how we partner with the individual business units across the firm, and balancing the needs of employees and evaluating program impact are all areas I find myself in daily. No two days are ever the same, as I also support our internal talent pipeline by providing greater transparency into Fisher career opportunities globally. My current focus is formalizing the job shadow process globally and increasing employee awareness and knowledge of the firm through on-the-job learning.
What are you working on right now that excites or inspires you?: In addition to my role, I enjoy serving as one of the firm’s Brand Ambassadors. During the pandemic, I started a series of articles on LinkedIn called “Fisher Friends Friday,” where I interviewed Fisher employees in different roles and asked them to share their experiences. Not only was it a way to connect with my coworkers, but it also allowed me to highlight their accomplishments within the firm and share their career progressions with potential candidates and peers. I’m looking forward to bringing this series back soon!
What do you value most about your company’s or team’s culture? What sets it apart from other places you’ve worked?: The culture and the people. It is so important to find a job where you enjoy the atmosphere you are in because sometimes you are not going to be having the best day, and if the atmosphere isn’t good, and you don’t have the support you need, you’re not going to want to come in to work. The environment and the culture we have here at Fisher not only fosters growth and innovation, but it also cultivates friendships. I’ve met some of my best friends here, and I’m excited because I am able to have such a strong work-life balance.
What’s one thing you would want a candidate to know about what it’s like to work at your company?: There are many things I wish candidates knew about Fisher Investments, and one area I am always excited to highlight is our benefits program. We provide an incredible environment to work in every day, and it is the icing on the cake when you look at the company’s 50% 401(K) match up to the annual IRS maximum, 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision premiums, and our incredible paid time off program. These are some of the things candidates should look at when starting a career.
How has your company shown appreciation for your work? What kinds of employee achievements are recognized?: Fisher Investments strives to be a meritocracy and we promote individuals based off the work they produce every day; advancement is not based on tenure alone. We have a strong culture of recognition at the firm and though our Stellar platform, where peers and leaders can share messages of appreciation and recognition, called Stellar Awards. We also have another program called CORE (Celebrating Our Remarkable Employee) Awards that allows individuals to nominate their peers and recognize them for going above and beyond their role while embody the firm’s values. Finalists and winners are recognized at a ceremony at the end of the year.

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