How the ‘Accidental Banker’ transitioned to a career at RBC

Life is full of surprises. 

Erin Corstorphine never imagined a career in banking. Not when she was wholly focused on a career in theatre. 

“There was no other dream,” Corstorphine says, now a Senior Relationship Manager, Commercial Financial Services at RBC. “I started singing and dancing at seven years old, commuted to a performing arts high school and attended a prestigious musical theatre program in college.”

But, after spending time in London’s West End, Corstorphine began having second thoughts. A career in theatre typically involves long hours, irregular schedules and a host of other challenges. After one particularly eye-opening audition for Phantom of the Opera, she reached her limit. She was ready to settle down in a career with a more standard schedule. 

In 2012, having returned to Canada, Corstorphine was soul searching. She had worked at RBC over summers in college, so she decided to return until she “figured out what to do next.” More than a decade later, she’s celebrating a recent promotion in an industry she never intended to pursue – proudly calling herself the “Accidental Banker.”

“I have always had an aptitude for numbers but always thought them boring,” she says. “But the actual numbers, while an absolute component and requirement of the role, is only one piece of the puzzle.”

Mid-career transitions are very common, according to Lisa Melo, RBC’s Vice President, Learning & Performance. “In addition to Erin, I see it in my family and in the wider talent marketplace.”

Melo says RBC is keen to support employees through these career transitions, whether through learning programs, upskilling and, in some cases, reskilling. Assessments, coaching, learning and on-the-job practice help employees move into new and different work across RBC.

“Relationship Managers – Erin's current role – complete a 28-week program that focuses on financial acumen, lending at RBC, client interactions, advice and running a business so they can be successful in their role.”

While training and mentorship programs eased Corstorphine’s transition, she was also surprised to discover that she had more transferable skills than she imagined, such as interacting with different types of people, adapting quickly in new situations, curiosity for continuous learning, autonomy to try new approaches and freedom to develop her brand within the company.

“All things you do in theatre,” she recalls. 

But in addition to skill development, it was RBC's culture of support that played a key role in Corstorphine’s success in an unexpected career.

“RBC creates a safe space to learn and grow,” she says. “When I came back from my final maternity leave, for example, I was still feeling a little lost. I knew personal banking wasn’t my end destination. I had a leader at that time who was instrumental in guiding me, helping me think differently and looking in several different areas to help me find my next role within RBC. He helped me find a landing spot that fulfilled not only the consistency I was craving but also a role that would fulfill my creative side.”

It may have been an accident, but her career is a perfect fit.

Considering a mid-career transition? With RBC’s commitment to professional development and career growth, you’ll have the tools and resources to succeed. Explore current opportunities here.