You will definitely need some education. At the bare minimum, you can find a firm that will sponsor you to take the Series 7 exam (go to NASD.com and search the examinations) and then the Series 63 and 65 (or 66 – combines the two).

I would strongly suggest a college degree. If you want to deal with wealthy clients, they will look for credentials. Being realistic, do you think they would trust you if you are less educated than they are?

Dealing with people is a good asset to have but you must have substance behind your people skills. Best of all, you are young and have plenty of time to obtain the proper education and licenses.

Good luck!

Ron, ChFC

Probably the best thing you can do is call up a few advisors around you and ask if you can take them to lunch or bring in a sandwich so you can pick their brain for an hour or so. Some will hang up on you, but that’s OK – you don’t want to be like them anyway. Successful advisors enjoy sharing insight about the career with newbies. Attend an industry conference and network a bit. Whatever you do, don’t fall for one of the companies that hire 1000 to keep 5. Be objective and check the out – there’s plenty of info on the net. You can also get subscriptions to magazines such as Financial Advisor and Wealth Manager. Get as much knowledge of the industry as possible from people who have been there. You won’t regret it. Good luck.

Working for a bank is not required, however the experience would help. Each financial adviser is limited to the products and services they have access to offer to their clients.
So with that being said I would recommend that you contact the best financial advisers in the world {by my opinion only}. “Northwestern Mutual Financial Network”. Here is their website and I would suggest that you call their local office in your area and make an appointment to go and learn what the business is all about. You will be required to get your “Life Insurance Licenses” & your “Series Licenses” for recommending and placing orders for stocks & bonds & other securities.
It’s a great occupation, and you can make some really good money but your main motivation should be because you want to help others. I hope this info. helps

education education education – go to school, get certified. Rule number one, go to school (College) and talk to a Counselor. Ask them what to do, based on your inspirations and they will guide you to step one.

Step two – work for a firm willing to educate you and train you. That plus school is your ticket to your goal.

My first job was fine because the second I got in, I spent two weeks in training. I have added 20 years to my experience plus numerous certificates on software upgrades etc has taken me up the ladder slowly but surely.

Good luck!