Financial adviser: Career development

After a period as a successful financial adviser, you could choose to:

• work on behalf of clients with larger sums to invest;
• specialise in one type of financial advice, such as pension and retirement planning or savings investments plans - you might become the acknowledged expert in your office and colleagues would refer to you when they needed specialist advice for a client;
• move upwards within your company and become responsible for the work of several other advisers, for the recruitment and training of new staff or for marketing and promoting the company - this might involve developing links with accountants, estate agents and solicitors in order to encourage them to refer clients to you.

Some advisers move into compliance work, which has become a major feature of the financial services sector. This involves ensuring that all advisers follow company rules and regulations issued by regulatory bodies.

There may also be opportunities to become a director or partner in your firm.

Self-employment is another option. It is quite common for financial sales consultants with successful employment experience to launch their own businesses as independent financial advisers (IFAs).

You should continue to develop your skills and knowledge throughout your career. For example, studying for more advanced professional qualifications, such as the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)  Level 6 Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning, will enhance your career development opportunities. It is also possible to study full or part time for an MBA.

Some of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI)  qualifications are recognised internationally, providing opportunities for highly qualified and experienced advisers to live and work overseas giving advice to wealthy expatriates.

For more details of advanced qualifications, see the Financial Skills Partnership (FSP) .