Schwers Finds Her Niche as Bank Marketer
While Jan Schwers worked on her accounting degree at Kirkwood Community College, she was hired as an intern at her hometown bank. She loved it so much, she made banking her career path, later being hired by Fidelity Bank & Trust, where she has worked for 30 years.
Schwers has worked in many areas of the bank, including customer service and operations. Today, she serves as the banks’ vice president of marketing, a role she says she absolutely loves. “Marketing has really developed over the years; it’s not just newspaper and radio ads, the digital world of advertising is becoming huge,” she said.”
How did you get into banking as a career?
I attended Kirkwood Community College for the accounting program and worked at my hometown bank for an internship while going to school. I really enjoyed my internship at the bank, so I applied at Fidelity Bank & Trust and have been employed there for more than 30 years. I have worked in many areas of the bank, including as a customer service representative where I worked one-on-one with customers on a daily basis; operations which taught me the “behind the scenes” of banking; and currently I am in the marketing department, which I absolutely love! Marketing has really developed over the years; it’s not just newspaper and radio ads, the digital world of advertising is becoming huge. Working for the same employer for many years has given me a great appreciation for the many customers I have met, the co-workers I have developed friendships with and truly having the feeling of being part of, what I call “The Fidelity Family.” I feel fortunate and very proud to say I have been a part of all of this for more than 30 years.
Prior to your current role, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had, and what lesson did it teach you that you still use today?
I worked in a restaurant during my high school days. It taught me good customer service skills, the importance of meeting time restrictions and also taught me to be a dependable employee.
What is your best elevator pitch for why banking is a great career?
Banking is a great career because it has allowed me to work with many co-workers within the bank and meet many people in the community. There are many different departments within the bank, so there is something of interest for everyone. This career has allowed me to grow personally and professionally.
How does getting involved with the Iowa Bankers Association help you and your bank?
Throughout my years in banking, I have attended many IBA seminars and conferences. I have attended peer group meetings, which are very helpful to network with others in the same area of banking and share ideas with each other. The IBA does a great job of supporting banks in Iowa by offering many valuable resources such as conferences, trainings and seminars.
When you’re not at work, what do you like to do most?
When I am not at work, I like to spend time with my family and friends.
What is a quote or guiding principle you live by?
My daughter introduced me to this quote: “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”
— Martin Luther King, Jr.