YPDaily: Ulzhan Salimbayeva

Ulzhan Salimbayeva is a Bcomm graduate from the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business who prides her career work in helping clients meet and exceed their financial goals. She began her career path at RBC while she was still in school and has quickly climbed the ladder to become an Account Manager at just 22 years of age. Find out more about this hard-working young professional in today’s YEDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I facilitate the achievement of dreams and make them a reality! I work with people from all walks of life, people with different goals and aspirations, varying circumstances and diverse backgrounds. I get to create solutions that bring my clients closer to their dreams of owning a home, paying off debts, growing net worth, saving for a child’s education, going to school, settling in Canada, starting a business, and much more.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working with RBC part-time as a teller while I was still in school. I remember that during my very first week in training I told my manager that I really wanted to be an Account Manager (AM), but she said I had to be available to work full-time to do that. That was disappointing but I was determined that I would still become an AM because I really wanted to develop greater personal relationships with my clients. I wanted to be the person to take care of all of their needs, to be the one to send them Congratulations cards as they achieve various life milestones, and to become a part of their plan in the journey to accomplish different goals and dreams.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part of my job is meeting new people everyday, discovering different life stories and goals. I sincerely enjoy this part because it allows me to determine where my clients are today, sort of the starting point, then I find out where they want to be in future, ultimate goal point, and then all I have to do is connect the two dots. Whether it is structuring a lending deal, creating an investment plan, or finding any other solution, the “how” is usually the most challenging part of my job, but it is the one that is most rewarding. Nothing is more gratifying than knowing that at the end of the day I made a difference in someone’s life by helping them move forward and come closer to achieving their dreams.
 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself doing what I love! Whether in international finance, consulting, or banking, I will be working face-to-face with clients, providing advice, creating need-based solutions, making dreams happen…and reading Notable.ca. I am planning to get my MBA in the next couple of years and do some work internationally.

What does success look like to you? 
Every time I think of success I am reminded of Walt Disney’s quote, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.” So for me, success is becoming a greater person by doing more than is expected by others and surpassing your own limitations. Success is not a final destination that we should try to reach; instead, success is made up of little things we do everyday and the choices we make along the way.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
In my first eight months as an Account Manager, I have been nominated as a quarterly period winner twice by my colleagues; recognized multiple times by the Regional Vice-President as the Top Performer; Awarded the Silver Award for Outstanding Performance and Contribution at the Annual RBC Awards Gala; and, more recently, I achieved a performance level that is double the annual expectation for my role in just eight months on the job.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Number one is be passionate about what you do, because passion as well as lack of it shows, and speaks volumes about your commitment and dedication to succeed. In the words of Henry Ford, “Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.” Number two is very simple: just do it! Any time an opportunity presents itself to you, once you’ve weighted your options and made a decision, don’t dwell on it, don’t second guess, just do it. Trust yourself, let your passion lead your way, use common sense and be open to the possibility that sometimes success is not a straight line and maybe what looks like a side track is really an opportunity.

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I support several charities through regular donations and I am also involved in various community initiatives that aren’t really charities. Every year I donate money to various cancer research foundations, the Calgary Humane Society and the Salvation Army. Currently, I am a volunteer with the Calgary Youth Justice Society developing a Leadership Training Program for the society’s over 300 volunteers. I am a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce supporting local businesses and I am an avid supporter of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Calgary Civic Symphony. One of my greatest passions is opera and I am a regular supporter of the Calgary Opera through subscription and donation. In my spare time I enjoy volunteering at my 5-year-old brother’s kindergarten. 

What to you is notable?
People who defy discouraging perceptions and limitations, show passion in their work and play, go above and beyond the expectations, and stay humble in their success.

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry and a good old-fashioned teNeues Pocket Calendar.