During the month of March, Fidelity is proud to highlight our women associates during #WomensHistoryMonth. One of the many associates we are incredibly honored to spotlight is Alaina, who is a part of Fidelity’s General Management Apprentice (GMA) program.
The GMA program is a Fidelity initiative designed to develop key talent. It’s comprised of four 6-month rotations, each one taking the Apprentice to a different strategic area of the firm to swiftly adapt, learn and contribute to the assigned group.
Alaina had been with Fidelity for almost 5 years and was happy in her role. She enjoyed the work, her team and had a great manager. However, as Alaina was thinking about her career, she knew it was time to challenge herself a bit further. She also knew that she wanted to stay at Fidelity and was intrigued by the idea of trying something outside of the specific marketing career she had built thus far. Alaina had open dialogues with her manager about her growth and shortly thereafter, applications for the next GMA class opened up. With her manager’s letter of recommendation, Alaina applied, knowing if selected, it could be the challenge and opportunity she was looking for. We sat down with Alaina to discuss being a proud female here at Fidelity and how she’s grown in her career with the firm:
FidelityJobs: Describe how you like the challenges the GMA program provides and how there’s so much opportunity for you & women at Fidelity.
Alaina: I’m a pretty big planner, so the ambiguity of not knowing where the GMA program will take me can seem a little scary. There is also the challenge of how I’ll adjust, thrive and make an impact to each rotation. But, most of that unease quickly turns into excitement. I look forward to the surprise of learning about my next rotation, for the new team members I get to meet and partner with, and for the work that I’m able to contribute to. Any remaining fear drives me to perform and rise to the occasion. I’m thankful Fidelity invests in talent development, GMA is just one of several programs in their arsenal, and internal mobility. If it’s a company you want to grow with, the opportunity is there to do so.
FidelityJobs: What does Women’s History Month mean to you? And why is it important in your career?
Alaina: For me, Women’s History Month is a time to pause, reflect on and celebrate the impact women have made and are continuing to make in all aspects of our lives. For many women, I think we’re mindful of these contributions all year long, but this month puts a worthy spotlight on the advancements. It’s also a time to consider what else we can accomplish and how I can personally add to the momentum.
FidelityJobs: What’s a piece of advice you’ve heard or would give to a woman looking to advance her career?
Alaina: Consider all career opportunities, even ones that don’t precisely fit an original vision. It could eventually lead you to that initial goal or help reshape it.
FidelityJobs: What do you like to do for fun and in your leisure time?
Alaina: Outside of work, I enjoy being with my family and friends, staying active, traveling, visiting new places, restaurants, and museums – and taking pictures along the way. I keep up with current events, politics, the news – but also love Bravo and celebrity gossip. It’s all about balance, right? And as a New Englander, I’m a Boston sports fan and always enjoy catching a game.
