Chinh Nguyen > Registered Representative

"I have really enjoyed my career here, and plan to be at First Investors for a long time."

When I graduated from Oregon State University (OSU) in 1999, a friend told me that I should pursue a job in sales. I looked around for a while until I found an advertisement for First Investors at the career center at OSU. The ad said that the Beaverton office was looking for two sales representatives. I didn't know what they would be selling, but I decided to call to find out more about the position. When I was asked to come and interview, I remember how excited I was. When they invited me back for a second interview and I said, "Yes!" with enthusiasm.

After the second interview, I returned home to my parents' house, where my mom asked me how the meeting went. I told her that I thought it went well, and that I thought this was what I wanted to do. She asked me what I would be doing, and I told her that I was going to help people with their investments. She then asked me how much I would be paid. I told her that my income would be based on how well I performed. I assured her that I would earn a six-figure income within a few years. At that time, my mom thought I was crazy, but she doesn't feel that way anymore.

I joined First Investors because I wanted to work for a Company that I would enjoy coming to everyday. I was really drawn to the idea of having the ability to have a flexible schedule and to work with clients on a personal level. When I walked into the office, I immediately liked the atmosphere. There's a buzz in the office that is unexplainable, it's the sound of a successful office filled with successful representatives.

When I first started, I told everyone I met how I could help him or her. I made "cold calls," attended trade shows and asked clients for referrals. In sales training class, I was taught how to meet people at social events. Every Monday morning I would call at least four to eight new people that I had met over the weekend. Every member of my office had a huge impact on my career. All of the senior representatives and managers took the time to teach me, attended sales calls with me and helped me grow my business. Without their help, I would not be where I am today.

My success in this business has been driven by a number of factors. I think by nature people like to work with people that are likeable, fun, funny, and have a sense of caring. One of my managers told me that you need to develop a business philosophy. I feel that you should also have an overarching philosophy that guides your life as well. My philosophy is to never give up and to always have confidence in myself. I have always felt that if the person next to me could do something great, then I could too.

I feel really proud of my career here at First Investors. I've worked really hard to get myself in this position. I was taught a very valuable lesson at a young age: if you build something on your own, you will always know how to get back up if you ever fall down. It takes time, patience, and hard work to become good at what we do. Many people search their whole lives to find a company that they can be proud to work for. I feel lucky to have found it so early in my life. I love the Company and my colleagues. I have really enjoyed my career here, and plan to be at First Investors for a long time.

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