Ten Excellent Reasons for Becoming a Financial Advisor

In the movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” the lead character overcomes incredible obstacles in order to win a job as a financial advisor. He is motivated to the max because he knows there are excellent reasons for becoming a financial advisor, such as:

1. Well-paying career. The mean annual wage for salaried personal financial advisors in the U.S. was $92,970 in May 2008. A financial analyst’s earning potential is nearly unlimited, and depends on the time and effort devoted to the work.
   
   
2. Excellent job outlook. The occupation of personal financial advisor is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. More and more workers are managing their own retirements and need financial advice. Plus, as the millions of baby boomers retire, they will need help of financial advisors to manage their retirement incomes.
   
   
3. Personal relationships. Financial advising involves building and maintaining relationships with clients. Listening and establishing trust are at least as important as investment knowledge.
   
   
4. Helping profession. There are many ways to help other people. Financial advisors help clients achieve their financial goals, which can have a profound impact on the quality of their lives and the lives of their family members.
   
   
5. Professional autonomy. Whether working for a firm or for themselves, financial advisors have their own clients and make their own decisions based on their knowledge of finance and investments. They lead independent professional lives.
   
   
6. Entry-level opportunities. While a bachelor’s degree is expected, financial advisors come from all educational backgrounds. They may enter the profession right out of school, or transition into it later in life. Many investment firms have training programs and internships to prepare prospective advisors for entry-level positions with their companies.
   
   
7. Self-employment. Financial advising is a sound career choice for people who want to be their own bosses and run their own businesses. In fact, twenty-nine percent of personal financial advisors are self-employed.
   
   
8. Analytical thinking. With financial advising, analytical thinking and problem solving lead to concrete outcomes—very satisfying for people who like to figure things out and see results.
   
   
9. Stock market-itis. Financial advisors don’t need an excuse for keeping the ticker tape running across their computer screens all day. It’s a great way to earn a living doing something they would do anyway.
   
   
10. Prestigious career. Honest and ethical financial advisors are respected members of the community. They hold positions of responsibility and help people make positive changes in their lives.

Do these reasons motivate you? If they do, you might want to consider a career as a financial advisor.