Company Information:

 Name of Company: CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce)

 Name of Interviewee: Bhoomi Joshi
 Industry: Banking and Finance
 Address: 123 Main Street, Toronto, ON
 Website: www.cibc.com
 Phone: 437-989-9811

Reason for Interest:

I am interested in meeting with Bhoomi Joshi, a Financial Representative at CIBC, as I

aspire to work in a similar role in the banking and finance industry. CIBC is one of the
leading banks in Canada, and I believe that an informational interview with Ms. Joshi
would provide valuable insights into the financial sector and what it takes to excel in this
field.

Questions to Ask Bhoomi Joshi:

1. What motivated you to pursue a career as a Financial Representative at CIBC?

o Assumption: Bhoomi mentioned that her interest in finance and the
potential to make a positive impact on clients' financial well-being
motivated her to pursue this career.
2. Could you describe your typical day-to-day responsibilities in your role?
o Assumption: Bhoomi explained that her daily tasks involve assisting clients
with financial planning, managing investment portfolios, and providing
financial advice.
3. What skills do you think are most important for success in the banking and
finance industry?
o Assumption: Bhoomi emphasized that communication, analytical, and
problem-solving skills are crucial for success in the industry.
4. Are there any specific certifications or qualifications that you would recommend
for someone looking to enter this field?
o Assumption: Bhoomi recommended obtaining relevant financial
certifications like the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and a
bachelor's degree in finance.
5. How do you see the future of the banking industry, and what opportunities or
challenges do you foresee?
 o Assumption: Bhoomi shared her insights on the industry's continued
growth and digitalization, highlighting opportunities in financial
technology and the challenge of staying updated with regulatory changes.
6. Can you share your career journey, highlighting significant milestones that led
you to your current role?
o Assumption: Bhoomi shared her journey, starting as a junior financial
analyst, progressing to various roles, and eventually joining CIBC due to its
strong commitment to client service.
7. What advice would you give to someone like me who is considering a career in
financial services?
o Assumption: Bhoomi's advice included the importance of building a strong
foundation in financial knowledge, networking with professionals, and
seeking internships in the field.
8. Is there a professional network or association you recommend joining to connect
with others in the industry?
o Assumption: Bhoomi recommended joining the Financial Planning
Standards Council and participating in local banking and finance industry
events for networking.

Summary and Reflection:

After interviewing Bhoomi Joshi, I gained valuable insights into the financial industry
and the role of a Financial Representative. Her experiences and advice have given me a
better understanding of the skills and qualifications needed for success in this field. I see
my career goals aligning with a similar position in a financial institution, and I look
forward to exploring further opportunities in this industry.

List of Potential Contacts:

I have also connected with other industry professionals on LinkedIn to explore potential
contacts for my Applied Project in my final semester.

1. Name: John Smith

o Position Title: Financial Analyst
o Company Name: ABC Finance
o Contact Information: john.smith@abcfinance.com
2. Name: Mary Johnson
o Position Title: Investment Advisor
o Company Name: XYZ Investments
o Contact Information: mary.johnson@xyzinvestments.com
3. What motivated you to pursue a career as a Financial Representative at
CIBC?
Assumption: Bhoomi mentioned that her interest in finance and the potential to
make a positive impact on clients' financial well-being motivated her to pursue
this career.
Elaboration: Bhoomi Joshi explained that she was drawn to the world of finance
by her desire to help individuals and families achieve their financial goals. She
expressed that the role of a Financial Representative allowed her to work closely
with clients, understand their financial needs, and provide them with personalized
solutions. Bhoomi's passion for finance and her desire to make a meaningful
difference in people's lives inspired her to embark on this career path.
4. Could you describe your typical day-to-day responsibilities in your role?
Assumption: Bhoomi explained that her daily tasks involve assisting clients with
financial planning, managing investment portfolios, and providing financial
advice.
Elaboration: Bhoomi provided an in-depth view of her daily responsibilities as a
Financial Representative at CIBC. She detailed that her typical day involves
meeting with clients to assess their financial situations, developing customized
financial plans, and managing investment portfolios. She emphasized the
importance of continuous communication with clients, offering guidance on
financial decisions, and ensuring that their financial goals are met. Bhoomi's role
also involves staying informed about market trends and financial products to
provide the most up-to-date advice to her clients.
5. What skills do you think are most important for success in the banking and
finance industry?
Assumption: Bhoomi emphasized that communication, analytical, and problem-
solving skills are crucial for success in the industry.
Elaboration: Bhoomi highlighted the key skills required for success in the
banking and finance industry. She elaborated on the significance of effective
communication, as it's essential when interacting with clients, colleagues, and
superiors. Additionally, Bhoomi stressed the importance of analytical skills to
assess financial data and market trends, enabling informed decision-making.
Problem-solving skills were also discussed, as the industry often presents
complex financial challenges that require innovative solutions.
6. Are there any specific certifications or qualifications that you would
recommend for someone looking to enter this field?
Assumption: Bhoomi recommended obtaining relevant financial certifications like
the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and a bachelor's degree in
finance.
 Elaboration: Bhoomi provided detailed guidance on the qualifications and
certifications that aspiring professionals in the banking and finance industry
should consider. She mentioned that earning a bachelor's degree in finance or a
related field is typically the first step. In addition, Bhoomi highly recommended
obtaining the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, as it is a recognized
certification that demonstrates expertise in financial planning. She also
mentioned the importance of staying updated with industry-specific certifications
as regulations and requirements evolve.
7. How do you see the future of the banking industry, and what opportunities
or challenges do you foresee?
Assumption: Bhoomi shared her insights on the industry's continued growth and
digitalization, highlighting opportunities in financial technology and the
challenge of staying updated with regulatory changes.
Elaboration: Bhoomi provided a comprehensive outlook on the future of the
banking industry. She discussed the industry's ongoing growth and the
increasing role of digital technologies in banking services. Bhoomi explained that
this digital transformation presents opportunities for professionals to specialize in
financial technology (FinTech) roles. However, she also acknowledged the
challenge of keeping up with ever-changing regulatory requirements, as the
industry is closely monitored and regulated. Staying informed about these
changes is essential to ensure compliance and adapt to new standards.