Jose Alvarez has been helping Filipinos achieve their financial goals in his capacity as a client engagement associate at SmarTrade, one of the pioneer financial education companies in the country.
“I feel like it is my own way of giving back for the blessings I have received,” says Alvarez who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012.
“My doctors have given me a new lease on life when they managed my Parkinson’s disease, but SmarTrade has given me a new opportunity to continuously experience my freedom doing the things I love to do,” he says.
Before developing Parkinson’s, a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves, Alvarez worked as a customer service associate for a luxury vehicle brand abroad. Since then, the single father of two found it difficult to be employed because of his medical condition.
“It was a struggle to find work and I am grateful to have been accepted as a full-time employee at SmarTrade. I enjoy the work environment. My bosses and my colleagues are very friendly and positive. It made my life easier and I was provided with all the tools for me to work properly and effectively,” says Alvarez.
Alvarez helps SmarTrade participants and other ATFX clients by providing them with needed information regarding online trading and how to attend and register for the free learning sessions. He also collates reports and inquiries used by SmarTrade to further improve its services.
“Even with my condition, I can complete tasks smoothly because everything is online, which reduces the amount of movement required. It’s a challenge for me to answer in a timely manner, especially in social media chats where the client needs a quick answer. But I am thankful that clients have the patience to wait for a reply. My reflexes are occasionally slow, but I complete all tasks that are assigned to me,” says Alvarez.
Cristel Tasha Rubio, a SmarTrade webinar attendee and a newbie trader, is among the clients Alvarez has helped.
“I inquired through their email asking if the seminars they provide are 100-percent free and what forex trading seminar topics they offer. We exchanged emails, and he also provided me with a general summary of their topics and what a beginner like me would need. Jose was extremely helpful in explaining everything to me, beginning with the registration process and ending with the most basic of questions. I learned a lot from their online session and was able to understand trading opportunities as well as risks,” Rubio says.
MJ Young, a client engagement associate at SmarTrade who works closely with Alvarez, describes him as responsive, punctual and hard-working. “He asks questions and seeks help if he’s not sure what to do and he also has a good ability to follow instructions. Even if he works from a distance, his sense of humor makes our work more enjoyable.”
“With my current condition, it’s not easy to find a job that can accept my flaws. I am so thankful that SmarTrade hired me since this job helps me support my children and to continue with my needed treatments and medications,” says Alvarez.
Alvarez is one of the many who are given the opportunity to build and flourish in his career despite his condition. “We believe in providing equal opportunities to those who want to join SmarTrade, regardless of gender, religion or those who may be specially abled,” says Joyce Mayo, president and chief executive of SmarTrade.
“As long as we are aligned in the mission and vision of the company, and are geared towards the same goals, we do our best to be inclusive in hiring team members,” says Mayo.