(StatePoint) Job growth potential, work-life balance and the satisfaction of helping others; these are not only top priorities for job seekers, they are some of the most commonly cited rewards associated with careers in the financial planning profession.
Whether you are newly graduated or looking to make a professional change, check out these five facts that might surprise you about a career in financial planning:
1. Demand is growing. Job growth for financial advisors is expected to grow four times higher than other occupations, according to Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), and by becoming a Certified Financial Planner professional, also known as a CFP professional, you can further distinguish yourself in the financial services industry. Employers are increasingly seeking out CFP certification, which is the highest standard in professional financial planning.
2. It’s not all about math. The key to a flourishing career in financial planning is creative problem solving, relationship building and communication skills. In particular, CFP professionals help people take a holistic, “big picture” look at their finances to help them reach their life goals.
“There’s so much transformation in people’s lives when they get their finances together,” says Brittney Castro, a Los Angeles-based Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional. “It’s a great feeling because I know I helped them get there.”
3. It offers freedom and flexibility. Talk to successful CFP professionals and you will learn that what many of them value most in their work is the freedom and flexibility to balance their personal and professional lives.
4. It’s not a one-size-fits-all career. From striking out on your own to working at firms big and small, there are a variety of possible pathways in this profession. Nearly one in four personal financial planners are self-employed, according to BLS.
5. It allows you to build your future by helping others. From budgeting and planning for retirement to managing taxes and insurance coverage, financial planners help clients bring all the pieces of their financial lives together to achieve their dreams. But beyond the personal satisfaction of helping others, there are financial rewards, too. The median pay for personal financial planners is $89,000, according to BLS.
To learn more about financial planning careers, visit www.cfppro.org.
Consider your career goals. If they include growth potential, flexibility and the ability to be creative, a career in financial planning may be right for you.
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