When Joyce Riviere graduated from college nearly four decades ago, she took a job at RBC Royal Bank at the clerical level.
The financial institution may have changed over the years, but according to Riviere, the path to becoming a top executive is consistency.
Exceeding the expectations of superiors and being willing to take on new and challenging roles have helped this leader at RBC Royal Bank achieve her career ambitions.
For International Women's Day, Riviere, area vice president of personal banking for the Family Islands, shared with Guardian Business a few inspirational words for young women with similar hopes for the future.
Education and academic qualifications are one thing, she said.
Ultimately, what it comes down to is your commitment to the profession.
"Always do your best and make sure your expectations are higher than what is expected by your organization," Riviere said. "Performance on the job is everything."
Heading a business network that spans six islands, the RBC executive is accustomed to sacrifice and getting the job done.
She told Guardian Business that over her career she has "moved around a lot", and would encourage young Bahamians to do the same.
Experience in the Family Islands, she explained, can provide employees with the opportunity to shine in smaller environments. This exposure and the chance to "stand out more" make positions in more scenic locations a smart long-term investment.
In 1999, Riviere accepted the opportunity to work as manager of the Abaco branch, a position she held for 10 years. Now, she provides leadership and support for all Family Island units.
"Some people are comfortable and do not want to compete to work at another branch. But I'm always open to taking on new and different responsibilities."
In other words, expanding horizons is another key component to success.
What is expected today might not be expected tomorrow, she explained, and it's important to apply yourself to every challenge that might come.
In addition to her work on the Family Islands, Riviere's career has been particularly dedicated to coaching and team building.
In turn, satisfaction among clients remains a top priority as employees work together to ensure a superior client experience.
"These days, you are expected to spend more time coaching. It's important to find out what is going well, what we can provide you to deliver on your job and what you want to deliver personally," she told Guardian Business.
On the client side, asking the extra questions and stepping up the presentation of financial advice are ongoing goals for RBC Royal Bank, whether the client is a young college student, a young professional or someone on the brink of retirement.
In the 1970s, when she first joined the bank, Riviere remembered that everything you needed to know could be found in books and binders. Today, the rise of electronic information and processes is perhaps one of the most profound changes in her long career.
And that trend is expected to continue in 2012.
"We are seeking to deliver more opportunities for personal clients through electronic banking as opposed to having to enter a branch. That can come in many different forms. In 2012, personal clients will have another means of conducting personal transactions without having to some into a branch," she said.
Another change she has seen over the years is the role of women.
More women are entering the financial services field than ever before, she said. If you were to look around the leadership tables of The Bahamas, at least half of those chairs, or more, are filled by women.
That said, Riviere wished to stress RBC Royal Bank's commitment to diversity and the opportunities available to women.
While the economy might not be ideal, opportunities exist for those that wish to seize them.
"Amid stiff competition, you really have to put your best performance forward," Riviere said. "If you do that, there remains a lot of opportunities. Nothing will be handed to you. You must recognize the opportunity and position yourself."

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