Four months in at Somerset, and I have learned that the best returns are not always in the market—they are in people who genuinely want to see you succeed. From day one, the team has invested in me across every aspect of my role.
Ellen has been instrumental in teaching me numerous things but specifically our manual alternatives reporting process. It is not the simplest report, but she did not just walk me through it—she created it, communicated it clearly, and then trusted me to own it. After learning the process, I was able to build on it, finding ways to add annualized returns to the alternatives reporting. That kind of mentorship creates true ownership, and it is rare to find.
Emily embodies that same investment. She has taken me under her wing both inside and outside of the office. What stands out most is how she genuinely treats me like family, which is such a comfort while all my family is back home in Tennessee. She is invested in my wellbeing the way she is with her own daughters, which means the world to me. She also has a gift for setting expectations that are challenging but achievable; as a type A person, I thrive having something concrete to work towards. Being based in the Birmingham office has been wonderful because of her and Ellen’s presence.
Since becoming full time, I have had more time to work with Chris, Sarah, and Tyler in the Beaufort office too. Even though most of our interaction happens over Zoom, there is a real energy and camaraderie there that makes our in-person moments feel even more special and grounded.
I recently got to travel to our Beaufort office and meet with clients in person, which was both fun and rewarding. Putting faces to names and seeing the real impact of our work made everything I am learning feel that much more meaningful.
Looking ahead, I am excited about becoming an official Alabama resident. Over the summer, I am working towards getting my notary license and passing my Series 65, which will expand my capabilities and allow me to provide more comprehensive support to our clients. I am genuinely grateful for the investment this team has made in me, and I cannot wait to deepen my skills and the relationships being fostered with clients.
