401 Financial Advisor Jobs
A financial advisor is involved in acquiring, maintaining, and educating clients in order to meet their financial goals. This involves financial needs analysis, buying and selling securities, and looking out for the clients’ interests.
= Skillset: Skills required for a financial advisor include math, decision-making, salesmanship, and the ability to communicate with people. A person in this position needs to maintain confidence while working under pressure.
= Education: Most investment companies require financial advisors to have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in accounting or economics. The advisor needs to take the courses for the Series 7 required by law and pass licensing tests before practicing in the field. Some states require additional certification.
= Career Path: Some investment firms recruit prospects from colleges, but many now look for people in other financial services industries who desire to make a career shift. Insurance sales and banking are two industries that are related and will provide the foundation in financial services. Another option is to find a firm or active advisor who is willing to work with an apprentice who may eventually become a partner or take over a book of business after the senior advisor retires.