Can you start a career in financial planning straight after high school?
Yes – you can absolutely start a career in financial planning/advice straight after high school in Australia. While you won’t immediately become a financial adviser, there are clear entry-level pathways into the profession through university study, work-based learning, and support roles in advice firms.
“Financial Advice” is a structured profession regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, meaning there are defined education, training, and professional standards. This creates a clear progression route from school leaver → student → support roles → financial adviser.
For students who are unsure about their career path at 17–18, financial planning is a strong option because it allows you to study while working, gain real industry experience early and build toward a long-term professional career! Click here for more information about Becoming A Financial Planner.
What does a financial planning career actually look like early on?
At the start of your career, financial planning is less about giving advice and more about learning how the industry works in practice.
Common early roles include:
- Client service or administration support
- Paraplanning and research assistance
- Compliance and documentation support
- Junior associate roles in advice firms
These roles sit within financial advice practices and help advisers deliver quality outcomes for clients. Over time, these experiences build the technical knowledge and professional judgement required to become a qualified adviser.
The profession is supported by industry bodies such as the Financial Advice Association Australia, which helps set professional standards and supports career development pathways.
My pathway into financial planning (and why I chose it)
Like many students, I left high school unsure of what I wanted to do.
In 2022 (straight out of high school), I began a Bachelor of Business at RMIT University, originally majoring in marketing. I was drawn to its people-focused nature and, at the time, it felt like a safe and practical option.
However, as I progressed through my studies, I realised I was looking for something with greater depth and a stronger long-term focus aligned with my interests and career goals.
Growing up, I had also noticed a lack of financial education, particularly for young women, which sparked my curiosity about the profession and its potential impact.
During my first year, I enrolled in an introductory financial planning elective focused on personal wealth management. Initially, I saw it as an opportunity to build my own financial knowledge, and I remember thinking that even if I didn’t pursue it as a career, the skills would be valuable for my own life, especially as a young female. However, I quickly found myself genuinely interested in how financial systems, investing, and advice work together to improve people’s lives.
Around the same time, exposure to a financial adviser through my personal network gave me insight into what the career looks like in practice, combining technical expertise with genuine human connection and long-term client relationships.
From there, my interest developed into a clear direction, and ultimately, a career path.
What education pathway do you need to become a financial adviser?
To become a financial adviser in Australia, you must complete a structured education and training pathway regulated under national professional standards.
- Complete an approved bachelor’s degree Usually 2–4 years
Most commonly:- Bachelor of Applied Financial Advice
- Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
- Bachelor of Accounting (Financial Planning and Taxation)
- Other approved financial planning undergraduate degrees. A list of universities who offer approved financial planning degrees can be found on the Advice Academy Studying Financial Planning page.
Note: Career changers (and people with experience in financial services) can undertake a postgraduate degree such as a Master of Financial Planning (12 subjects) or a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning (8 subjects).
- Pass the Financial Adviser Exam Offered multiple times per year
This exam can be completed during or after your approved degree study and is a mandatory requirement for all advisers in Australia. - Complete the Professional Year Typically 12–16 months full-time
A structured workplace training program including:- 1,500 hours of supervised work and
- 100 hours of structured learning.
- ASIC FAR registration and work under supervision within an AFSL
Registration is completed through your employer (AFSL) under the national regulatory framework administered by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.
- Ongoing professional development (CPD)
Learning continues throughout your career to maintain competence and stay up to date.
How do you get your first job in financial planning with no experience?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you need experience before getting into the industry – in reality, many professionals (myself included) start in entry-level roles while studying.
Ways to get started:
- Look for internships or administrative support positions in financial advice firms.
- Join student or early-career networks such as the Financial Advice Association Australia.
- Reach out to local advice practices directly.
- Show willingness to learn rather than expecting technical expertise immediately.
Employers in this space typically value:
- Strong communication skills
- Professionalism and reliability
- Curiosity and willingness to learn
- Basic numeracy and attention to detail.
Technical knowledge is developed over time, attitude is what gets you in the door.
What skills help you succeed in financial planning early on?
While university builds technical knowledge, the most important skills early in your career are often behavioural:
- Communication and active listening
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Organisation and attention to detail
- Basic financial numeracy
- Professional judgement and ethics
These are the skills that help build trust with clients and teams and they are developed through both study and workplace experience.
Reassurance for students and parents: Is financial planning a stable career?
Yes. Financial planning is a highly regulated and structured profession in Australia, overseen by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and supported by professional bodies such as the Financial Advice Association Australia.
This means:
- Clear education requirements
- Strong ethical and professional standards
- Long-term career progression
- Growing demand for qualified advisers.
It is also a career where you can earn while you learn, progress through structured milestones, and build a meaningful long-term profession.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know about finance before starting?
No. Most students coming from high school start with little financial knowledge, just a genuine sense of curiosity. Everything is taught through university and on-the-job training.
Can I work while studying financial planning?
Yes. Many students work in support roles at advice firms while completing their degree, which can accelerate career progression.
How long does it take to become a financial adviser?
If starting with a Bachelor degree, then typically it will take around 4–6 years, including university study and the Professional Year.
Is financial planning a good career for school leavers?
Yes. It is one of the few professional careers where you can combine study, paid work, and structured progression from an early stage.
What is the Financial Advice Association Australia?
It is the main professional body representing financial advisers in Australia, supporting education, ethics, and career development.
I know how overwhelming it can feel starting out, so if you ever want to chat about pathways or ask any questions, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn – I’d love to help!
Curious to learn more? Explore the Become A Financial Planner Now and Roles in Financial Advice pages of this website or contact FAAA at [email protected].
