03 Apr Claire Volke, AAMS™
Looking back, it makes sense that I ended up here, I just didn’t take the most straightforward route!
My working adventures began at Storm Brothers ice cream factory in downtown Annapolis, near where I grew up. Here I learned the value of a dollar; so much so that when our tip jar was stolen, I chased the perpetrator around the entire city on foot (which looking back was probably not my best idea)! Other summers in school were spent working at Cantler’s Riverside Inn; the summers I smelled like crabs and Old Bay. I understood here that if I worked harder and more hours, I could make more money. This also meant that I could save. With my bank account surpassing the thousand dollar mark, my young mind started to feel the momentum. I learned to be smart with my money, paying close attention to what I spent and what I saved. Little did I know that these skills would translate into a future career.
I graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2012, then went on to work as an assistant in mortgages, at a law firm, pursued my childhood acting dreams in LA, then flew the coop entirely to the UK for grad school. I was offered a scholarship at Kingston University London where I earned a Master’s degree in Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship. During this time, I really focused on finding a career path for me that would be fulfilling long-term.
I chose a career in financial services for three main reasons. Firstly, I have always been interested in personal finance and long-term planning. Being a financial advisor gives me an outlet to improve and share this knowledge and skillset with others. Secondly, I love working with and helping people; I feel energized and fulfilled having a social outlet throughout the day. Lastly, I get to work in a role that can positively affect others. I don’t feel like I am just “working for a paycheck”, but I’m actively motivated by the opportunity to make a direct impact on people’s lives.
It’s very gratifying to work in a business that helps people from all walks of life strategize about how to reach their financial goals. I’ve always enjoyed talking about money; spending, savings, debt – topics many people find “taboo.” As a society, we’re always comparing ourselves to others, so it makes people uncomfortable to talk about their money. In my opinion, it doesn’t matter where you start, as long as you start.
In 2019, content with my travels and with my first nephew on the way, I decided to move back to Maryland. I’m happy to have found my position here at the Meakem Group with such a great team to work with. I believe that the Meakem Group and Raymond James have very strong ethics and I feel a deep sense of satisfaction in the work that we do. Mentorship from one of the top women in the industry has been an added benefit! I passed the SIE, Series 7 and 66 exams before signing up for Raymond James’ year-long Advisor Mastery Program where I earned my Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS™) designation. I continue to take on continuing education opportunities and participating in conferences to stay on top of the everchanging landscape of personal finance.
On a Personal Note
I live with my wonderful husband, Jeremy. He is originally from France, so we have a good excuse to make annual trips there to visit family. Otherwise, we spend a lot of time with our friends and family who live locally. My favorite side gig is being Auntie to my niece and nephew nearby. They’re still young enough to think that I’m cool, and I’ll take that as long as I can!