Meet Trailblazer Erin McCloskey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin McCloskey.

Erin, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Growing up, I always wanted to be a doctor. Until my sophomore year of high school, that was the plan. In between my freshman and sophomore years of high school, I attended Colorado Business Week, which was geared toward educating high school students about all the different avenues available to pursue a career in business. It was life-changing for me! I came away from that experience convinced I wanted to be an international investment banker. When I started college, I declared International Business as my major, because, wasn’t that the best degree to be an international investment banker? Not quite. Thankfully, an advisor who cared suggested Financial Management might be a better track for me. I switched and am very grateful that I did! I began my career in finance with John Hancock Financial Services, and aside from a one-year detour in healthcare, have been working in finance ever since. While I did not go the route of an investment banker, international or otherwise, I believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be, guiding people through transitions in life financially.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nothing about my life or career has been smooth! There are so many things I had to figure out along the way. I am very fortunate to have people in my life that have helped me navigate my way through, and continue to support me. From trying to figure out what I wanted to do, to doing it, to negotiating salary and job descriptions, it’s a rough road. The things that have helped me the most in my journey are as follows:
1. Build your network! You never know who you’ll meet, when you might need a resource, and how you may be able to help someone else.
2. Negotiate your pay! The statistics are astounding for how much less women are paid at the start that follows them through their careers. When you ask for a salary, make sure you have numbers/information to back it up, and stick to it. The worst they are going to say is no.
3. Follow your gut. It’s powerful and is usually spot on.
4. Comparison is the thief of joy. This quote has been a key mantra in my life. Everyone is on their own path. Take stock of where you are, be grateful for what you have, and make changes to anything that you’re unhappy with; but do it because you want to, not because someone somewhere says you “should.”

We’d love to hear more about your business.
I take pride in helping people work through transitions in their lives financially. I have always been passionate about helping others. My passion for personal finances and financial planning has grown over the past several years, in part due to the fact there is very little education around personal finance, and it is so important, for everyone! I am a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER TM professional working towards my Certified Divorce Financial Analyst designation (which I plan to complete in September!). I see a lot of opportunities to help those going through divorce, as it is such a vulnerable time with unique financial circumstances.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I consider myself an extroverted introvert and I think that has helped me build my network. I find it easy to start a conversation with a random stranger and have learned to become more comfortable attending events by myself. Going to an event alone kind of pushes you to talk to other people! One suggestion I would offer as far as networking goes is follow up is key! Even if it’s just a quick note to let them know you enjoyed meeting them, it goes a long way. One thing that has worked well for me, both for finding a mentor and networking in general, is asking people for an informational interview, and being honest with them about why I’m interested in speaking with them. I have not yet had anyone say no to this request. I am selective about who I ask to meet with, and I make sure I am prepared for our meeting. Usually, at the end of the meeting, they have at least one other person (if not more) that they think would be a good connection and they are willing to make the introduction. This is also where the follow up comes in! Not only in thanking the person for taking the time to meet, but making sure to follow up with any introductions they make. I have also been able to successfully build my network through my involvement with non-profits. Being involved in the community and pursuing causes I’m passionate about gives me an instant connection with others. I currently serve as the co-chair of the Empowerment Council for the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, serve on the Development Committee for the Women’s Foundation of Colorado, and am the Fundraising and Volunteer Lead on the Executive Committee of the Young Leadership Committee for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – Rocky Mountain Chapter – that’s a mouthful! These organizations have allowed me to meet incredible individuals who have become some of my dearest friends. And they, in turn, have introduced me to their friends, thereby expanding my network in the best way!

Contact Info:

• Phone: 720-292-4420
• Email: erin@snowballwm.com

Image Credit:
Rogier van Bakel

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