Case studies: Trainee financial adviser: Sarah Stone

Sarah is coming to the end of the 18-month programme at The Financial Adviser School. She has joined the family business to apply what she has learnt so far

Ever since my first job as a supermarket assistant during sixth form, my roles have been focused on providing great customer service. Across the sectors in which I've worked, I have known this was the focus for my career, I just hadn't found the right industry.

My dad has been a financial adviser for as long as I can remember and it had always been a career that I saw as being for the 50 year old, greying man. When we first considered that I might move into the financial services industry, I have to admit, I wasn't overly keen on the idea. However, I then started thinking that this would be the chance to be a professional, to be my own boss and, most importantly, to provide a service to clients which could ultimately be life-changing for them. Unfortunately, getting into financial advice just seemed like such a nightmare. There were so many exams to do, and I had no idea where to start on the practical side of things. That is where The Financial Adviser School has made such a difference.

The school's 18-month programme has provided me with the structure needed to complete all the necessary exams, along with ideas and support in terms of actually setting up in business. The programme consists of two hours per week of online classes in which we learn and discuss exam material, as well as the regular weekends where we get together to develop our skills, such as client meeting techniques. During the first year of the programme I have been able to fit this around my previous role. However, I've now taken the opportunity to join the family business to apply what I've learnt so far - and it's going well.

The team at The Financial Adviser School has been great but for me, the most beneficial part of the course has been working alongside the other students. Studying together has meant that we're all in the same boat, so we can help each other to achieve our best and to understand areas that may otherwise seem like a foreign language. As cheesy as it sounds, there really is a family feel, and knowing that everyone in the group wants you to do well is a great motivation.

I'm nearly at the end of the programme and I'm now providing advice on personal and business protection, mortgages, and very shortly pensions and investments.

I know that it's going to be tough to begin with in terms of building my client base and getting my name out there, but the ball has already started rolling. I'm dealing with a range of clients, friends and recommendations, and I'm really enjoying being able to advise them in a variety of ways. I've already helped friends to buy their first home and with the sign off on pensions and investments coming very soon, I really do feel I have a great opportunity to make my mark with a diverse range of people.

I'm feeling very positive about the future and can't wait to continue to develop these relationships to really build my business to its maximum potential.