How Dominika Found Her Place in Finance

Confidence comes from preparation, experience and a willingness to keep learning. Dominika O’Dwyer, Relationship Manager at RBC, reflects on progressing from an Accounts Assistant to a trusted, client-facing role. She shares how a graduate rotation programme shaped her development, challenged the perceptions of others and why adaptability has been central to her success.

22 Jul 2026

What first sparked your interest in this career?

Growing up, I never had a ‘dream job’ or a career I felt destined for. In fact, I wasn’t even certain I’d go to university due to various personal circumstances. It wasn’t until my A-Levels that I decided to pursue a career in finance. I had moved to Jersey with my family just before turning 16 and I knew I didn’t want to relocate again. As finance is such an important part of Jersey’s economy, it felt like an industry that would offer long-term opportunities and a rewarding career. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

What was your first role and what did you learn from it?

My first role in finance was as an Accounts Assistant at Rosscot Chartered Accountants during my Trident placement week when I was 16. I then returned to Rosscot when I was 17 to work part-time while studying for my finance degree. Upon graduating, I became a full-time employee.

Throughout my time there, I was responsible for bookkeeping, preparing accounts and working with clients. The role taught me the importance of organisation, prioritisation and attention to detail – skills that have stayed with me throughout my career. It also gave me valuable insight into Jersey’s business community and exposed me to a wide variety of clients, each with different needs and objectives.

Which career move had the biggest impact on your development?

Without question, joining a graduate rotation programme. Studying finance gives you the theory, but experiencing different roles brings it to life. Rotating through four different business areas within the same organisation helped me discover where my strengths and interests lay, while developing my ability to adapt quickly. Every six months meant new teams, new systems, new processes and a steep learning curve – which taught me resilience, agility and the confidence to embrace change.

What challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?

Since becoming a Relationship Manager, my biggest challenges have been my age and, at times, being the only woman in the room. I’ve had clients tell me their children are older than I am and question why they should take financial advice from someone so young. Like many people, I’ve also experienced imposter syndrome.

The way I’ve overcome those challenges is through preparation. I remind myself that I’ve worked hard to earn my qualifications and experience, and that I deserve to be in the room. If you know your subject, prepare thoroughly and continue learning, confidence naturally follows – and credibility speaks for itself.

What skills have been most valuable throughout your career?

Adaptability has probably been the most valuable skill. The financial services industry is constantly evolving, whether through regulation, technology or changing client expectations. Being willing to learn, embrace change and continuously develop has been essential throughout my career. You either get onboard with all the changes or get left behind!

What does a typical day look like in your current role?

It’s a cliché, but no two days are ever the same – and that’s one of the things I enjoy most. One day I might be meeting clients, the next I could be carrying out due diligence, preparing investment proposals or working on a lending transaction. Every day is driven by my clients’ financial needs. One client may be buying a holiday home, another selling their business, while someone else simply needs reassurance during periods of market uncertainty. My role is to help them achieve their financial goals while building trusted, long-term relationships along the way.