Meet Elizabeth Collins

Wealth & Investment Management

The Past: “How did you get here?”

What distinguished Wells Fargo from other competitors, as a professional opportunity for you?

Size and culture. Working for a large bank appealed to me because it created a breadth of opportunity within one firm and the possibility to experience different markets across the country.  However, I liked how Wells Fargo operated more like a small bank when it came to their culture.  No other bank seemed to have the same culture and environment of Wells Fargo.   

The Present: “What do you do here?”

What is a typical work day like for you?

My team supports Wells Fargo Wealth Management at a national level so we are spread out from coast to coast.  A typical day for me is filled with constant communication between my project partners.  I’m normally balancing a few projects at once so the ability to multi-task and execute are critical. 

What was your most enjoyable project at Wells Fargo? Why?

Before becoming a Business Initiatives Consultant, I was working for The Private Bank for three years.  This allowed me to identify gaps in our business and to pinpoint areas where we could improve processes that would ultimately better serve our clients.  Moving to the project management side, I now help implement those improvements.  The project that I am most excited about today is our eSign project, where we are creating a digital platform to allow our clients to sign documents electronically. It is motivating to work on a project that everyone in the front office is excited about as well.  You feel like the work you are putting in will leave a big impact on the company and help streamline our client relationships. 

What are the top three skills (technical and soft) that are required, daily, in your role?

The top three skills that are required would be problem solving, communication skills, and prioritization.

How would you describe the corporate culture of your group?

Team players.  It’s hard to be successful on your own since one person could never carry the weight of an entire project.  It’s important to be open to others’ feedback, to partner together, and to always think strategically.  Conversely, it’s also important to know when to step up and take leadership on a project to help drive the team and its success.

The Future: “Where do you want to go?”

What future opportunities do you hope to embark on in your career? Does Wells Fargo provide avenues to foster these goals?

I think it is important to be open to new opportunities.  The company wants to see its young talent grow into long-term successful Wells Fargo employees.  It’s essential to stay connected to those that you have met throughout your Wells Fargo journey, you never know when you will run into each other again, or who you may have a connection with.  The more you’re involved, the more others will care and see the potential in you as well.  My favorite ways to stay connected are through the Wealth & Investment Management Early Talent Alumni Network and local team member networks, such as Women’s Team Member Network and My Generation Team Member Network in New York City. 

Advice: A word to the wise…

A motivational piece of advice you wish someone told you as a young professional going into your specific industry?

It’s okay to not know exactly what you want to do.  But it’s never okay to not try your hardest.  No matter what your role, you will always be in a position to gain new skills or learn new things.  Bring your best to work each day, treat others kindly and have integrity in your work.  Everything comes back around.