If you have been in a role for so long, it almost becomes second nature, just a part of who you are. Hence, when changing careers, it is almost like you need to shed the old you and be re-born again, which can be difficult. Ten months ago, I started as a client relationship manager for Shadforth and during that time I have been able to learn so many things. And here is the top 3.
Top 3 lessons:
- You don’t know what you don’t know!
There is a lot you know, but there is even more you don’t know.
The finance world is very different to most industries, regulation is generally a lot higher and to the average Australian, it can be an information overload. Working in the field of finance is even more complicated again, therefore one of the first lessons I want to share with you is you will feel humbled by how much you will need to learn. Don’t be afraid of the fact that you will need to start again, to learn from the ground up, and you will make mistakes. The team you start with is going to be there to support you and show you the ropes, no matter where you start because most people are open to helping and mentoring in the Financial Planning Profession.
My one bit of advice for new starters looking to change careers, take the time to ask questions, learn, and be okay with making mistakes.
- Your experience follows you wherever you go.
Following on from lesson one, the second lesson I have learned in the last ten months of starting my new career is your previous experience from your last career is truly important. Don’t neglect the fact that you learned a lot in your last career. For me, it was customer service and being client-centric. However, we each have individual strengths and knowledge accrued from our last career/job that will help us transition into our new career. Make sure you lean into your strengths and use what you have learned up until now from life, and previous roles to make the transition easier.
- Back yourself and don’t be afraid to try new things.
You are more than capable of making the changes and learning new things, you are human after all, one of the most adaptable species on earth! This is why if you have not already taken the leap to change careers, and you are holding yourself back due to not having enough knowledge, you need to back yourself!
You will learn more being in a Financial Planning Firm, being in the thick of it, day in and day out, than carrying on with your current role. Take the leap of faith and back yourself in. Will you make mistakes? Yes. Will you have to let go of your ego and feel a bit humbled? Yes. Will you regret your decision to try something new and take control of your career? No!
Now there are many more lessons to be had once you begin your journey and take your first step into the Financial Planning profession. However, I hope that reading through my top three lessons over the last ten months making the change, and starting my first role will help you a little bit. And maybe those who have just started could take some solace, you are not alone in this and many others have changed careers learning the same things and making the same mistakes.
Hence, why having an FAAA student membership has been so invaluable these last two years because I have been able to meet fellow students and emerging professionals. If you have not already, I would highly recommend signing up for a student membership, and the best thing is, it’s free!
Content sourced from FAAA Emerging Professionals Committee
