Grow Your Career: From Client Service & Support to Financial Planning and Advice.

By: Beau Hombach, Sr Content Manager

At Schwab, a role in Client Service & Support (CS&S) is more than just a job—it’s the start of something bigger. Whether you’re answering client calls, guiding individuals through complex transactions, or helping them navigate the tools and resources available to them, you’re doing more than supporting a financial services organization. You’re building skills, earning licenses, and developing a client-first mindset that can take your career in any direction you choose.

In fact, for many Schwabbies, CS&S has been a launchpad to long-term career growth in areas like financial planning, investment consulting, leadership, and even technology. The experience gained here—problem solving, active listening, product knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to service—lays the foundation for future success.

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In this first installment of our Grow Your Career series, we’re spotlighting two Schwab professionals who began their careers in CS&S and transitioned into impactful roles centered on financial planning and personalized advice. Their stories show just how far a strong foundation in service can take you at Schwab.

Q&A with Samuel L., Vice President – Financial Consultant, National Branch

Samuel started his Schwab journey more than four years ago as a Client Service Representative on the core phone team. With curiosity and drive, he quickly obtained his licenses and moved through several departments—from Active Trader to Pinnacle to Schwab Advised Solutions—before joining the National Branch Mid-South, where he now serves clients virtually as a Vice President, Financial Consultant.

How would you describe your department and role?

Samuel: “The National Branch is part of Schwab’s broader Investor Services network. We serve clients who either don’t live near a physical branch or prefer the convenience of virtual meetings. As a Financial Consultant, I help individuals and families meet their financial goals by creating personalized financial plans and offering investment, banking, and insurance solutions tailored to their needs.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

Samuel: “I run a wealth management practice that focuses on building and deepening relationships. My conversations with clients center around their life goals, and I use a financial planning-based approach to recommend strategies and products that align with their objectives. Whether it’s helping someone plan for retirement or navigate a major life change, I’m here to support them every step of the way.”

How did your experience in CS&S prepare you for this role?

Samuel: “CS&S gave me a strong foundation in client service and operational excellence. I learned how to create white-glove experiences—listening actively, solving problems efficiently, and always putting the client first. Those lessons have been instrumental in helping me build trust with clients today. No matter where your career takes you at Schwab, that client-first mindset is essential.”

Q&A with Colleen E., Sr. Regional Manager – Schwab Wealth Advisory

With over eleven years at Schwab and a career that spans banking, brokerage, leadership, and financial planning, Colleen knows firsthand how a service-focused beginning can unlock new possibilities. She started in Client Banking Services, earned her licenses, and eventually transitioned into management roles. Today, she leads a Schwab Wealth Advisory team in the “Sun Belt” region, focused on developing future financial planners and supporting clients with personalized advice.

At the time of this interview (about three years ago), Colleen was leading the Centralized Planning Group Help Desk—an internal resource for Schwab’s financial planners.

Tell us about your team and its mission.

Colleen: “The Centralized Planning Group plays a key role in delivering financial planning at scale, supporting clients in Schwab Intelligent Portfolios and other advisory solutions. My team provided behind-the-scenes planning support, helping financial professionals navigate tools, address client needs, and develop more effective strategies. It’s also a great entry point for employees pursuing their CFP® certification.”

What was your focus as a leader?

Colleen: “After helping launch the team in 2021, I led a group of 11 Associate Financial Planners. I focused on their growth and development—coaching them to become confident planners, partnering with teams across the business to close knowledge gaps, and ensuring we had the right training and tools in place to deliver value to clients. Creating a supportive and collaborative culture was a top priority.”

How did CS&S shape your leadership style?

Colleen: “Starting in CS&S taught me so much about people—clients and colleagues alike. It showed me how to be resourceful and empathetic while managing high volumes of work. Coaching and managing teams in that environment helped me grow as a leader. I learned how to meet people where they are, build trust, and inspire growth. I still use those skills every day.”

Building a Career, Not Just a Job

Samuel and Colleen’s journeys reflect something we see across Schwab: when you start in Client Service & Support, you’re not just answering calls—you’re learning the business, earning your licenses, building trust with clients, and opening the door to an entire universe of opportunity within financial services.

Whether you aspire to become a Financial Consultant, pursue a path in financial planning, move into leadership, or explore roles in operations or technology, Schwab’s culture of growth, mentorship, and internal mobility is designed to support you.

You’ll also find that at Schwab, success isn’t a solo journey. From day one, you’ll be part of a team that wants you to succeed—with access to training, coaching, and resources that help you build a long-term career. That’s the Schwab difference. 

Ready to Grow with Us?

If you’re looking for a client service role that’s more than just a job—if you want to make a difference, develop new skills, and chart your path in financial services—then Schwab is the place for you. Our Client Service & Support roles are built for people who want to grow, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Beyond Client Service & Support series, where we’ll highlight Schwabbies who took their CS&S experience into the world of finance and technology.  

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