Americans are known for their knack for reinvention and many of us believe our opportunities for change continue throughout our careers. I’ve seen this firsthand as I’ve watched a number of successful professionals, at my financial services firm and others, make the transition from a longtime first career to a second career as a financial adviser. Maybe you’d want to, too.
Over my 40-year career, I’ve watched numerous professionals transition to our business: physicians, teachers, dentists, lawyers, CPAs and general sales and service professionals. I’ve even witnessed professionals retire early, only to realize they were not ready for retirement and then decide to enter the field.
Successful Dentist Turned Successful
Financial Adviser
One excellent financial adviser at our firm had a previously successful, 23-year career as a dentist. After facing a neck injury that made it challenging for him to continue his work, he decided to change fields. Being a known trusted professional in his community translated well into his second career as a financial adviser. What he told me he liked most about the transition was the long-term, evolving relationships he was able to cultivate and maintain.
The Time and Costs Involved
Becoming a financial adviser takes rigorous study; at our firm, people put in about 270 hours of study time to pass a number of industry exams, including the series 7 (giving stockbrokers a license to trade) and 66 (to qualify people as securities agents and investment adviser representatives). Partnering with a firm with resources, such as paid training programs and professional trainers who are invested in your potential, can be invaluable for someone embarking on this career.
