When you think about careers in finance, you might picture accounting, investment banking or working with numbers all day.
But there's another career path you might not have considered: financial advice.
It's a profession focused on helping people make decisions about their money and their future. And there are more ways to get involved than you might think.
What is financial advice?
From buying a first home to planning for retirement, people face big financial decisions throughout their lives.
Financial advisers help people understand their options and work towards their financial goals.
It's not just about numbers. It's also about communication, problem-solving and building relationships.
If you enjoy working with people and helping them navigate challenges, it could be a career worth exploring.
What jobs are available?
You don't necessarily have to start as a financial adviser.
Financial advice businesses also employ people in roles such as:
Associate adviser: Supports advisers with research, client meetings and preparing advice.
Client services: Helps clients and keeps day-to-day processes running smoothly.
Paraplanner: Researches financial strategies and prepares advice documents.
Operations and administration: Supports the systems and processes behind the business.
Each role is different, with its own responsibilities and entry requirements.
Do you need a finance degree?
Not for every role.
Some entry-level positions welcome candidates from different educational backgrounds. Communication, organisation, problem-solving and a willingness to learn can all be valuable.
You might have developed these skills through university, casual work, customer service or a completely different career.
Becoming a financial adviser does involve specific education, training and registration requirements in Australia. You can check the current requirements through the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).
How do you get started?
You don't need your entire career mapped out. Start with three simple steps:
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Learn about the profession. Discover what different roles involve and what a typical day might look like.
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Recognise your strengths. Think about the skills you've developed through study, work and life.
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Explore opportunities. Connect with professionals, investigate entry-level roles and find businesses looking for emerging talent.
You might discover a career path you hadn't considered before.
Discover what's possible with Striver
Striver connects students, graduates and emerging professionals with financial advice businesses looking for future talent.
Create a free profile to explore opportunities, build your understanding of the profession and prepare for your next career step.
Never considered financial advice before? Now's a good time to start exploring.
