If you believe all you see on the news, you’d be forgiven for thinking most university graduates are working in McDonalds.
I’m proof that with clear direction, ambition and a little luck, opportunities are available. It’s only a couple of years since I left university, but I’m now a qualified financial planner and on track for a successful career. Here’s how I did it…
Realising your goals
After graduating from Sheffield Hallam University, I decided to be proactive. Rather than taking a summer break, I started contacting companies, like Belmayne, looking for potential jobs as a trainee.
Partner, David Bashforth, invited me in for a meeting to see if we could work together and I knew from the outset, the firm would be a great place to begin my career.
It had always been my ambition to join the advice sector after completing my degree in international finance and banking. So, as soon as I started at Belmayne, I began working through the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, taking exams on a range of subjects, from tax and investment planning, to protection and regulation.
My confidence took a knock after I failed my second exam, although I was reassured to discover Dave and our other partners didn’t pass them all first time either. As I gained more practical experience, I could put context around the topics I was learning about and apply them to real life situations. This really improved my academic performance.
Working alongside Dave has allowed me to develop my personal skills, whilst gaining professional qualifications and I’ve come to realise that being able to communicate effectively with clients is as important as possessing technical knowledge.
My journey to qualification has been made all the easier by the inclusive environment at Belmayne. I’ve been privileged to listen to all of the partners talk to clients, as well as each other and sit in on Dave’s meetings. This has been invaluable.
The learning never stops in this industry and even though I’m now a fully-fledged financial planner, I’m committed to improving my skills further, both personally and professionally. I am now beginning the advanced diploma, with a view to becoming a chartered financial planner.
I can’t thank the team at Belmayne enough for their support so far. My hunch proved correct – it is a great place to work and learn. Long may my journey continue.
For more information about Belmayne’s financial planning services, telephone (01246) 298181.
