uniselectImage
uniselectLogo

The shortcut to your shortlist

Make your university search faster and less stressful.
Get a personalised shortlist by selecting what matters to you.

GET STARTED
Career prospects

How to become a financial advisor

If you love numbers and are thinking of going into a career in finance, read our guide on how to become a financial advisor to see if this role is for you.

CONTENTS

  1. Routes to becoming a financial advisor

  2. Skills you’ll need

  3. Finding work experience

  4. How to get a job as a financial advisor

  5. What it's like to be a financial advisor

Financial advisors usually have a degree along with professional qualifications to advise others. There are various routes you can explore to becoming a financial advisor including undergraduate, apprenticeship or postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate degrees

If you’re interested in a finance degree, you can often combine this subject with another like economics, data science or accounting. Entry requirements vary but typically range between 96–160 UCAS points. An undergraduate degree will usually take three or four years to complete depending on whether it includes an integrated foundation year, professional placement or year abroad.

You can learn more about what to expect from a finance degree in our accounting and finance subject guide, including what topics you’ll cover and how you’ll be assessed. 

Degree apprenticeships

A financial advisor degree apprenticeship is an opportunity for you to gain practical, industry experience and achieve qualifications relevant to your chosen career path whilst earning a wage. Your studies are also paid for. A Level 4 apprenticeship is comparable to the first year of an undergraduate course and a Level 6 apprenticeship is equivalent to the final year of an undergraduate degree. Entry requirements are set by the employer and the course provider. You’ll usually need to apply and attend an interview.

Search for an apprenticeship vacancy via Find an apprenticeship.

Postgraduate degrees

A postgraduate qualification isn’t essential to become a financial advisor but might be worth considering later in your career if you want to develop your management and financial skills. You’ll usually need an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area as a minimum requirement and be prepared to study for two years part time or a year full time.

As well as being financially knowledgeable, you’ll need:

  • organisational ability  

  • great interpersonal skills 

  • listening skills  

  • verbal and written communication skills  

  • research and analysis skills  

  • teamwork 

  • ability to influence and negotiate 

  • confidentiality  

  • great customer service  

  • numeracy and IT skills  

  • flexibility  

  • self-motivated

It’s a good idea to have some work experience to draw on perhaps from an internship, degree placement or volunteer role.

Try looking for work by: 

  • shadowing a financial advisor or looking for an internship in an accountancy practice or bank  

  • finding casual work or volunteer in a sales, customer care or advisory environment  

  • looking for volunteer opportunities with a financial ask such as treasurer

Employers looking for financial advisors include banks, building societies, insurance companies, investment firms and independent financial advice companies. You might also find work with estate agents, law firms and retailers offering financial services. It is also common to set up as a self-employed advisor.

As a graduate financial advisor, it’s likely that you will need to complete additional professional qualifications to comply with the Financial Conduct Authority. Employers usually provide the support you need to progress in this area but if you are self-employed you will need to manage this yourself.

As a financial advisor you’ll help companies and individuals make informed decisions about their investments, savings, pensions and other financial products.

Depending on your role and specialisation, your tasks could include:

  • talking to clients about their finances and plans 

  • producing written financial reports 

  • researching financial products and explaining them clearly to clients  

  • updating clients about their investments 

  • negotiating with providers of financial products 

  • meeting sales and performance targets 

  • keeping up to date with new products and legislation  

Financial advisors are usually based in an office or work from home. Some travel could also be involved to client’s homes or business premises. You could be part of a team or work independently. 

Joining a professional body such as the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment is advisable.

Financial advisors tend to work a standard 37- 40 hour week but some evening or weekend work will be involved if that suits your clients. A graduate financial advisor might earn between £22,000 - £30,000 and with considerable experience go onto earn up to £45,000. As your career progresses, you might decide to specialise in one area such as mortgages or you might take on more responsibility as a manager or director earning up to £65,000. Advisors may also earn bonuses and commission on top of this.

Is a role as a financial advisor right for you? 

If you want to help people manage their money confidently and are committed to ongoing training to progress your career, this role could be for you.

Related articles

Belfast City Hall Northern Ireland

University tuition fees and financial support in...

An overview of undergraduate university tuition fees and student finance for students...

08 Nov 2024
Cardiff Bay Pier Head Building

University tuition fees and financial support in...

A guide to student finance and university tuition fees for undergraduates from Wales...

08 Nov 2024
Royal Mile, Edinburgh, Scotland

University tuition fees and financial support in...

An overview of undergraduate university tuition fees and student loans for students from...

08 Nov 2024

Is this page useful?

Yes No

Sorry about that...

HOW CAN WE IMPROVE IT?

SUBMIT

Thanks for your feedback!