Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Rona Rafal serves as a Client Support Specialist at IA Private Wealth, where she plays an essential role in building trust and nurturing long-lasting relationships with the firm’s diverse client base. Her responsibilities include gathering client profiles, generating portfolio reports, assisting in the development of marketing materials, and managing various administrative tasks. Prior to joining IA Private Wealth, Rona had a varied career journey, with experience across multiple industries, including export and freight, nonprofit services, and beauty and wellness. A graduate of Simon Fraser University with a background in arts and sciences, Rona is known for her strong organizational skills and her ability to connect with others on a personal level.
Q: Can you describe the path you took to become a Client Support Specialist in the financial industry?
Rona Rafal: My career journey has been a bit unconventional, to be honest. After graduating from Simon Fraser University, I explored a variety of fields before finding my way to the financial industry. My first job was in food services, where I managed a Tim Hortons franchise. While I enjoyed the customer interaction, I realized it wasn’t the right long-term fit for me. From there, I moved into the nonprofit sector, working in client services with The Salvation Army. That role was incredibly fulfilling, but again, I felt it wasn’t quite the perfect match. I then worked in export and freight logistics, which was stable, but I missed the personal connection I had in my previous roles. Rona Rafal Vancouver also spent some time in the beauty industry, but after a while, it became clear that without opening my own salon, the potential for growth was limited. That’s when I decided to pursue a career in the financial services sector, where I found the role of Client Support Specialist to be the perfect fit. My diverse background and ability to build strong interpersonal relationships made this position a natural progression.
Q: What do you find most challenging about your role?
Rona Rafal: When I first started at IA Private Wealth, there was definitely a learning curve with the industry-specific terminology and procedures. But I’m a quick learner, so after dedicating some extra time to study and prepare, I was able to catch up fairly quickly. Now, I’m much more comfortable with the technical side of things, though I still ask questions from time to time, but those instances are becoming rarer.
Q: What part of your role do you find most rewarding?
Rona Rafal: Without a doubt, the most rewarding part of my job is the personal connections I build with our clients. I’ve always been someone who enjoys interacting with people and creating strong relationships. At IA Private Wealth, I get to know our clients over the long term—sometimes years or decades—and that allows me to form deep, meaningful bonds. I learn about their lives, their families, and their goals. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help people plan for major life events and work toward achieving their financial aspirations. Watching them reach those milestones is truly rewarding.
Q: How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially in such a demanding field?
Rona Rafal: I have several hobbies that help me unwind and keep a balanced life. I’m an avid swimmer, runner, and dancer, and I make it a priority to work out at the gym whenever I can. Physical exercise is a great way to de-stress and maintain energy throughout the day. I also play the piano, which taps into my creative side and provides a nice balance to my professional life. But above all, the best way I unwind is by spending quality time with my daughter. After a busy workday, nothing recharges me quite like being with her.
Q: Do you have any advice for someone looking to become a Client Support Specialist in the financial industry?
Rona Rafal Vancouver advice would be that it’s never too late to change careers and pursue something that truly aligns with your strengths and passions. Regardless of your background, don’t be afraid to try out different fields until you find the one that feels right for you. For anyone interested in the financial industry, it’s a great field if you enjoy helping people, being organized, and managing multiple tasks at once. Stay patient, stay curious, and most importantly, stay open to new opportunities!
