Certified Financial Planner & Sr. Registered Tax Preparer 

How did you get your current job?
I was referred by another representative.

What was the application process?
I decided to go back to school to become a CFP and then switched jobs to a related field to get background.

Did you have to interview for your current job? If yes, what did the interview process entail?
Although I am self-employed, I am connected to a broker-dealer and do have a supervisor. I was interviewed by her and had to show proof of licensing.If you are just starting out I suggest going to work someplace that pays you a salary to start and will sponsor you for your licenses (securities, insurance). Otherwise you will have to work someplace else for $ and then pt with a sponsor until you are ready to jump in as ft self employed.

If you can remember, what questions were you asked during the interview?
Why did I want to be a planner? What did I like best about it? Am I self motivated?

Do you feel your employer properly prepared you for your job? Explain.
I am my own employer so this does not apply.

Was there training for your current position? If yes, what did it entail?
You need a undergrad degree (any field) and then must successfully complete specific number of classes to sit for the CFP exam. Once you pass this two day 10 hr exam you still have to have 3 years of related field experience. Then in order to manage people’s investments you will need FINRA licensing as well (exams required) and state life insurance license too.

Do you feel your educational background prepared you for your job? Explain.
I had a social work/counseling background which actually is quite applicable given the relationship people have with money and their planner.

If applicable, do you feel your internship experience helped you prepare for your job?
Internship experience would be very very helpful in this field. It will give you hands on experience and an idea of what to expect.

If someone wanted to go about getting a job similar to yours, what would you recommend for him or her to do?
Spend time with someone who does similar work to get an idea of what is involved. There are many “working parts” to being a financial planner. Information gathering, interpersonal skills, research, on going education (for yourself and to educate clients), writing the plan, preparing returns and compliance and legal issues.

What skills do you think a person should have if they want to pursue a position like yours?
Social skills very important. Talking with people about money can be stressful for all parties. You need unbelievable organizational skills and have to be very very self motivated.

Do you feel that you need a certain level of education or training to be successful in your job?
Definitely. Would you want to go to an untrained financial advisor or tax preparer? Also licenses are required.

What advice would you give to someone who was about to start work in your position/ line of work?
If you need someone to tell you what to do this is not for you. You have to be ready to work many hours, including evenings and weekends when most of your clients are available. You also have to be able to control your own emotions.