How to become a financial adviser
If you love numbers and are thinking of going into a career in finance, read our guide on how to become a financial adviser to see if this role is for you.
CONTENTS
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Routes to becoming a financial adviser
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Skills you’ll need
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Finding work experience
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How to get a job as a financial adviser
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What it's like to be a financial adviser
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Routes to becoming a financial adviser
Financial advisers usually have a degree along with professional qualifications to advise others. There are various routes you can explore to becoming a financial adviser 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 adviser degree apprenticeship is an opportunity for you to gain practical, industry experience and achieve qualifications relevant to your chosen career path while 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 adviser 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.
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great interpersonal skills
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listening skills
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verbal and written communication skills
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research and analysis skills
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teamwork
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ability to influence and negotiate
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confidentiality
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great customer service
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numeracy and IT skills
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flexibility
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self-motivation
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:
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shadowing a financial adviser or looking for an internship in an accountancy practice or bank
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finding casual work or volunteering in a sales, customer care or advisory environment
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looking for volunteer opportunities with financial responsibilities such as treasurer
Employers looking for financial advisers 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 adviser.
As a graduate financial adviser, 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 adviser, 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:
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talking to clients about their finances and plans
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producing written financial reports
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researching financial products and explaining them clearly to clients
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updating clients about their investments
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negotiating with providers of financial products
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meeting sales and performance targets
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keeping up to date with new products and legislation
Financial advisers are usually based in an office or work from home. Some travel could also be involved to clients' 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 advisers 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 adviser might earn between £22,000 - £30,000 and with considerable experience 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. Advisers may also earn bonuses and commission on top of this.
Is a role as a financial adviser 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.
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