Deena Wilson - First Investors Corporation Careers - First Investors Corporation Jobs

Deena Wilson > Registered Representative

"Joining First Investors was one of the best decisions I ever made and I truly feel blessed."

Advice to Others:

Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses, because weaknesses are just areas for improvement. Hold yourself accountable because you control your destiny. Make sure your goals are attainable. Believe in yourself.

Years With First Investors:

Prior Occupation:

Associate manager at a car rental agency

I graduated from Hampton University in Virginia in May 2003 with a bachelor's degree in business management. I was a full-time student and a full-time athlete, a combination that forced me to learn time management. After graduation, I moved to San Diego for nine months, where I was an associate manager at a car rental agency. I quickly learned that the “nine-to-five” corporate life wasn't for me. I wanted flexibility in my schedule, I wanted to work one-on-one with people and I wanted to earn a substantial income.

In March 2004 I moved back to New York and had five interviews lined up; First Investors Corporation was the first. After meeting with my soon-to-be manager, I realized that First Investors was exactly what I was looking for. He challenged me and told me that this business was, “simple, but not easy.” Being a competitive person, I decided that I would be successful at First Investors and that I would devote myself to enhancing the lives of my clients. The ability to control my own income excited me and motivated me to be the best. It also prevented me from becoming complacent. In fact, my manager is probably tired of hearing me say, “I'm not satisfied with myself.”

In developing my business, I quickly learned that there are ups and downs. I committed myself to being consistent. I truly believe in the “building block” approach, because it makes perfect sense. You don't have to convince your clients; they can see it intuitively. I also learned that follow-up and communication skills are very important. You have to treat clients as if they are your family and show them that you care.

I am grateful for all of the people in my office, who have supported me since day one. I've always been a team player and there's a great sense of “team” there. In our office, we create a sense of friendly competition, which I love. I try to motivate my peers when they're in a slump, just as they keep me striving to be the best.

Our manager tells us: “Keep working 'til the end, do everything physically possible, and then let the chips fall where they may.” I never want to lose, so I always work a little bit harder. I feel that you shouldn't spend your life worrying about how much better other people are doing. Instead, you should spend your time trying to reach your full potential.

I've found that it's O.K. to ask for help; but remember that only you are responsible for your life. You must strive to be the best and only look back if that's the direction in which you want to go. I made a decision when I joined First Investors to work hard, exceed my goals and to make a difference in people's lives. Joining First Investors Corporation was one of the best decisions I ever made and I truly feel blessed.

Recent times have been unnerving for individual investors. A severe recession, a steep stock market downturn, unprecedented volatility, and high-profile investment scam stories have damaged the public's confidence in our nation's financial institutions, and left people wondering what to do. This loss of trust and direction comes at a time when Americans are more responsible than ever for securing their own financial future.

First Investors can help individuals accomplish that goal. We have been in business since 1930, and have successfully navigated many difficult economic periods in our nation during that time. We understand that economic slumps and recoveries are inevitable...and we know how to help people plan for both.

Using a face-to-face approach to customer service, our registered representatives work with clients to establish a disciplined approach to achieving their long-term financial goals, whether they involve saving for a college education, purchasing a home, or building a retirement nest egg. We have more than 80 years of success stories, working with people from all walks of life.