We sat down for a chat with Krystal, a Sr. University Talent Agent here at Fidelity Investments. Located in our Merrimack, NH regional center, Krystal works to recruit, attract, and network with top University Talent for full-time opportunities and internship positions here at Fidelity Investments. Krystal shared her unique experiences with us, including a career path to University Talent for full-time opportunities and internship positions that she carved out for herself. Read:
FidelityJobs: Tell us about yourself – where you grew up and a little bit about your background!
Krystal: I was born and raised in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire where I grew up with a twin sister and two older brothers. I have had an interest in the Financial Services industry and had an eye on Fidelity based on the brand recognition in New Hampshire and who held my first 401K which made me want to work here. I graduated from Lakes Region Community College with AS in General Studies, then graduated from Southern NH University with BS in Accounting. I transitioned to a CPA firm after college graduation and within a few years, made a career change to Human Resources, where I went back to school part-time. I did this while working full-time in recruiting and HR to earn a Global MBA in Marketing and HR from Southern NH University.
FidelityJobs: What challenges did you face along the way? How did you fight through these challenges?
Krystal: At a young age, I was diagnosed with a learning disability in reading comprehension and spelling, although I did not let this get in the way, as I worked hard in grade school and in my higher education to graduate with Magna Cum Laude or Cum Laude. I always had a fire in my belly and passion to be more, do more and not allow this challenge to get into my way. In addition, I had a little girl 4 years ago who was several weeks early, and we spent quite a bit of time in the NICU, where I had to make sure she became my priority. Therefore, I had to make some career changes to be more in the moment with my daughter. This is when I took on my favorite title as a strong, independent, hard-working single mother.
FidelityJobs: How did you grow quickly at Fidelity in your role?
Krystal: I am a very driven and hard-working person; I like to take on challenges and take on leadership roles. I am always looking to better and advance in my career. I also like to make sure I have open communication with managers and coworkers, as it is key to continue career growth. I feel my dedication, hard-working mentality and that fire in my belly has allowed me to grow and network and shine in my career this far.
FidelityJobs: Tell us what you love about your job role at Fidelity and how you can apply your skillset?
Krystal: I absolutely love working in Human Resources as it’s been my passion over the last 8 years. My ability to recruit, attract and network with top University Talent for full-time opportunities and internship positions is extremely rewarding. I really enjoy work within the specialized programs we have to offer here to Undergrad and Grad level students. I also enjoy working alongside our business partners to help strategize on hiring plans and executing to deliver results is rewarding and exciting.
FidelityJobs: How do you balance being a single mom and a working mom?
Krystal: I love being a mom and am a very nurturing mother, so at times the balance is challenging because I have always dreamed of being a super successful and financially stable businesswomen. I am someone who thrives off a schedule and routine plus being present in the current moment. I try to be 100% present when my daughter is with me at night and on the weekends to build our relationship and teach her that success can have a balance.
FidelityJobs: You have mentioned a love to manage and mentor – talk about why you value these traits, and why they’re important to you?
Krystal: I value these traits because I feel everyone should embody them, everyone can be a mentor or a manager if they wanted. I hold a special spot in my heart for being a mentor as I know what it was like to struggle in school and in prior jobs and not having the help, I needed given my learning disability. So, whether I am a leader of the team or just a member I am always willing to go the extra mile to help those that might be struggling.
FidelityJobs: As someone who has grown at Fidelity, what’s a piece of career advice you would give to new associates here?
Krystal: Network as much as possible and be your own advocate for your career. A quote I like by Biz Stone: “Timing, perseverance, and the ten years of trying will eventually make you look like an overnight success”.
FidelityJobs: Tell us a fun fact about yourself! A: I was Miss Greater Plaistow in 2008 and competed in the Miss NH Scholarship Program. I learned a lot from that experience – especially overcoming obstacles and knowing my strengths. Competing in pageants only added fuel to my fire about being a member in society and being a team leader. I love to be involved with the community and this platform gave me the chance to do so where I still have those connections today.
