Exploring your career path in the financial sector

Are you looking for a job in the financial sector? There are many great career options in this industry that will give you great pay and benefits. Choosing a career as a financial planner is an excellent idea if you are looking for a highly lucrative position with a bright future ahead of you. Jobs in the financial planning industry are expected to grow nearly 27 percent by 2022. It’s a great idea to break into the ground floor of an industry that guarantees a lifetime of lucrative employment and career advancement opportunities.

What kind of degree do you need to become a financial planner?

You can’t just expect to walk in and get a “plum” financial planner position. You must show that you have the necessary qualifications. A bachelor’s degree in a financial field is a great starting point. It may take you to the door in some places. However, more and more employers are insisting that applicants for financial planning positions have an MBA. This is especially true if you are looking for a position that will allow you to move up the corporate ladder to a senior management position or even partner.

You will need to get certified as a financial planner

The next step in becoming a financial planner is to obtain the necessary certification. The two most popular types of certifications are the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). To qualify for the CFP exam, you will need three years of experience in a finance-related industry. You will also need to have a bachelor’s degree or better. And finally, you will need to pass a thorough background check. The exam itself lasts 10 hours and is divided into 2 days. To qualify to take the even more grueling CFA exam, you’ll need four years of experience.

It pays to get your license to sell stocks and bonds

As a financial planner, being able to sell stocks and bonds is not necessarily a requirement. However, being qualified in this area certainly doesn’t hurt. You can obtain a license from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), such as a Series 6, 7, or 63, in order to sell mutual funds, stocks, bonds, or insurance to a customer. It’s a great way to gain more valuable experience and qualifications in the industry. At the same time, you are also becoming indispensable to the needs of your clients and your employer.

What is the career path of a modern financial planner?

Once you’ve earned the college degree needed to enter the financial industry, your career path will first require three to four years of experience in junior positions. After obtaining the necessary certifications, you will be able to work as a financial planner without supervision.

You will be qualified to receive your base salary, plus incentives and bonuses. That can easily add another five figures to your annual salary. As you advance to a higher position, you can earn a six-figure base salary with matching bonuses and incentives. The career of a financial planner is therefore a very lucrative path to consider.