Through the lens of the media you often just see one side of finance, Wall Street traders and stock charts make up most of the images that grace your screens. At How To Money we know that there’s a lot more to finance than that, and there are countless individuals working across the industry in a huge variety of roles. 

Whether you’re looking to work in finance or just interested in what they do all day, this series focuses on people working in finance and their stories. Welcome to the Faces of Finance…

In this instalment of Faces of Finance, we interviewed Erika Jonsson from Six Park, an Australian robo-advisor. We’d love your feedback and suggestions on who we should interview next! Get in touch by sending us an email.

Introducing Erika Jonsson from SixPark

I’m Head of Marketing and Communications at online investing service Six Park. Our vision is to provide every Australian with a path to financial wellbeing through professional investment management.

My role includes building brand awareness, conversion and engagement with clients, public relations, and strategy and content development.

How did you get into finance?

The best opportunities in my career have all been unexpected, and my move into finance was no different. I worked as a freelance content writer and editor when my kids were younger, and I started with Six Park by writing some client stories that introduced me to the business. The role built organically until I joined Six Park full-time at the start of 2018.

I never would have imagined working full-time in finance before it happened, but now it’s hard to imagine working in any other industry.

What do you enjoy about working in the financial services industry?

One of the best parts of my role is speaking to clients about how Six Park is making a difference to their lives. Improving their financial situation is just one part of that difference – it’s also about saving time, reducing stress, and empowering people to feel more confident about their financial decisions.

It’s rewarding to help people begin or continue their journeys as investors – there’s a lot of satisfaction in doing a job that makes a difference to people’s quality of life.

Do you see any downsides to working in this industry?

I’m a glass half full kind of person, so it’s hard for me to see downsides, but if I had to find one, I’d say that it can be challenging to deal with people’s desire to “get rich quick” – or reading about what happens when that goes wrong.

Investing is more accessible and affordable than it’s ever been, but there’s a big difference between investing and gambling – that’s why I’m passionate about what we do at Six Park.

What is the most common misconception you think others have about the industry?

I’ve met quite a lot of people who assume that everyone who works in finance is driven by money and greed.

In reality, most of the people I know who work in finance agree that money is not the end goal – money is a tool that enables you to make choices about how you spend your time and live your life. The vast majority of people I’ve encountered in finance are driven by a genuine desire to help people.

If you received $1000 extra to spend to ‘increase your happiness’ right now, what would you use it on?

Outside work (along with copious amounts of running and reading) I’m writing my first novel. I’ve been eyeing a course through the Australian Writers’ Centre that would help me finish the first draft of my manuscript, which would be a really satisfying personal achievement. I’d enrol in the course and use the balance to have a crazy day of fun with my kids. 

What are your tips for young Australians considering a career in finance?

Finance is one of the most dynamic and exciting industries that you could choose at the moment – it’s changing for the better, and it’s a far cry from most of the stereotypes, so do your research and talk to people in the jobs that interest you.

I’d also recommend using LinkedIn before you’re actually looking for a job – it takes time to build connections and engage with people, and it’s really obvious if you’ve just set up a profile because you have to.

Learn more about Erika and Six Park on LinkedIn, Facebook & Twitter.