Pensions consultant: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is generally open to all graduates/diplomates, a degree/HND in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• mathematics;
• economics;
• business (and finance);
• management.

Entry without a degree/HND is possible for those with experience in the pensions industry and, in particular, to those with professional qualifications. People skills and a strong financial or sales background are often viewed by employers as more important than formal entry qualifications.

Although postgraduate qualifications are not required, specialist professional qualifications provided by the Pensions Management Institute (PMI)  or the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)  may increase your career development opportunities.

Entry into pensions consultancy can be via a graduate training programme with, for example, the large pension and insurance companies. Some programmes within the financial services sector are more general and allow those involved in the programme to specialise in pensions.

Alternatively, it is possible to start as a pensions administrator and then work your way up to a pensions consultant by developing the face-to-face aspect of the role and gaining relevant professional qualifications and experience.

The pensions industry also recruits from other sectors of the financial services industry. For example, those with experience in financial planning or advice can specialise in pensions.

Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:

• excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills;
• the ability to analyse and research information;
• the ability to explain complex information clearly and simply;
• accuracy and attention to detail;
• organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workloads;
• the drive and motivation to meet targets;
• time management skills;
• sales, negotiation and influencing skills;
• teamworking skills;
• strong numerical and IT skills;
• a creative approach to problem solving;
• a high level of professionalism and personal integrity;
• an interest in financial products, services and markets.

Competition is strong for places on graduate training programmes and experience of working in a customer-facing, financial or sales role is valuable.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.