Financial planning as a profession requires a blend of technical knowledge, strong interpersonal skills, and business sense. Successful financial planners need a solid grasp of financial concepts; however, financial planning goes beyond just crunching numbers. It’s about building trust, actively listening to your clients’ needs and aspirations, and effectively communicating complex financial information in a way that is easy to understand.

A career in financial planning can be rewarding—allowing you to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives by helping them achieve their financial goals and secure their financial futures. Here are some things to think about if you’re exploring a career in financial planning.

Self-assessment: Is Financial Planning Right for You?

Before diving in, it’s essential to conduct an honest self-assessment to determine if the path to becoming a financial planner aligns with your values, interests, strengths, and work style preferences.

Interests and Strengths

Do you find yourself naturally drawn to working with numbers, solving complex problems, and helping others achieve their goals? Financial planning requires a strong analytical mindset combined with a genuine desire to guide individuals and families toward their financial objectives.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is at the heart of successful financial planning. You’ll need to be comfortable explaining financial concepts in simple, easy-to-understand terms. The ability to actively listen, ask probing questions, and provide clear recommendations is crucial.

Sales and Business Development

While some financial planners work in salaried positions, many operate their own practices or work on a commission basis. This means you’ll need to be open to networking, building relationships, and continuously attracting and retaining clients.

Work Style and Risk Tolerance

Financial planning offers different career paths, each with its own work style and risk profile. Are you drawn to the stability of a salaried role within a larger firm, or are you open to the entrepreneurial path of running your own practice, with the potential for variable income?

Gaining Exposure to Financial Planning

One of the best ways to determine if a career in financial planning is right for you is to gain firsthand exposure to the profession. Talking to financial planners and conducting informational interviews can provide valuable insights into their daily responsibilities, challenges, and rewards.

Attending industry events and webinars hosted by organizations like the Financial Planning Association (FPA) or XY Planning Network can also be incredibly beneficial. These events offer opportunities to network with professionals, learn about the latest trends and best practices, and get a feel for the financial planning community.

Job shadowing or interning with a financial advisor can give you a behind-the-scenes look at the role. Spend a day or two observing a financial planner’s routine, sitting in on client meetings, and experiencing the day-to-day realities of the job.

Another way to gain exposure is by taking an introductory course in financial planning. Completing a foundational course can help you understand the basics of financial planning, including retirement planning, investment management, estate planning, and tax strategies.

Getting Educated and Certified

Once you’ve decided to pursue a career in financial planning, one of the first steps is to get the proper education and certifications. While not always required, many financial firms prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field. A strong academic background in these areas can provide a solid foundation for the technical knowledge required in financial planning.

If you want to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, you’ll need to complete coursework from a CFP Board-approved program. This coursework covers topics such as investment planning, tax planning, retirement planning, estate planning, and financial psychology. The CFP^® certification is widely recognized and respected in the industry, and it demonstrates your commitment to professional education and ethics.

Depending on your career goals, you may consider other credentials in addition to the CFP^® certification. There are hundreds of designations to choose from. However, one area that has seen an explosion in interest in recent years is financial psychology and behavioral finance. Helping people with behavior change and the emotional aspects of money, along with financial planning, can be incredibly valuable.

Building Experience in Financial Planning

Once you have the necessary education and certifications, gaining practical experience is crucial for launching your financial planning career. Here are some strategies to build your experience:

Find an Entry-level Role

Many aspiring financial planners start as paraplanners, client service associates, or junior advisors at established firms. These roles allow you to learn the business from the ground up, understand client relationships, and gain exposure to various financial planning tasks.

Network with Professionals

Joining industry groups like the Financial Planning Association (FPA), National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), or XY Planning Network can provide invaluable networking opportunities. Attend local chapter meetings, conferences, and events to connect with experienced professionals who may offer mentorship or job opportunities.

Seek a Mentor

Having a seasoned financial planner as a mentor can accelerate your learning curve and provide guidance as you navigate the early stages of your career. Reach out to professionals you admire and inquire about mentorship opportunities. Many experienced advisors are happy to share their knowledge and insights with those starting out.

Discover Specialized Programs

For those pursuing a career in financial planning, there are specialized programs that provide invaluable opportunities to gain experience, build networks, and develop essential skills. Examples include:

• BLX Internship which opens doors for aspiring Black and LatinX financial planners by providing mentorship and real-world industry exposure.
• Amplified Planning Externship which offers college students, new advisors, and career changers hands-on experience to bridge the gap between education and practice.
• Wall Street Diversity Accelerator offers rising sophomores and juniors from underrepresented communities the opportunity to gain industry insights and professional experience.

Intern or Work at a Firm

Many financial planning firms offer internships or associate roles that allow you to gain hands-on experience while working alongside experienced advisors. These opportunities can provide valuable training and help you determine if a particular firm or practice model aligns with your goals and preferences.

Keys to Success as a New Financial Planner

Setting yourself up for success as your career as a financial planner begins involves a mix of technical expertise, client relationship skills, hands-on experience, networking, strategic marketing, and the right mindset. Here are some key steps to help you start strong:

Master the Fundamentals

Getting the right certifications—like the CFP^® designation—is a big credibility boost. Seek out diverse continuing education opportunities to stay informed about industry trends, tax law changes, and market movements to provide clients with up-to-date advice. Develop strong technical skills by learning the financial planning software and other technology commonly used by financial planners.

Strengthen Your Client-Facing Skills

Hone your communication and listening abilities—clients need someone who can explain complex financial topics clearly and understand their unique goals. Practice asking insightful questions to uncover a client’s true financial objectives and life aspirations. Learn principles of behavioral finance to better guide clients through emotional money decisions.

Develop a Client Acquisition Strategy

Clarify your target market and niche—specializing in a client segment like business owners or retirees helps you stand out. Create a professional online presence with a website, LinkedIn profile, and social media. Provide value by blogging, hosting webinars, or starting a financial podcast to showcase expertise.

Adopt a Growth Mindset

Be patient and resilient—building a strong client base takes time, especially when starting. Embrace continuous learning, as financial planning is an ever-evolving field. Focus on cultivating trust and nurturing client relationships over just making sales for long-term success.

Help Others While Ensuring Your Future

Choosing a career in financial planning is more than just a job—it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives while building a rewarding profession for yourself. Whether you’re drawn to the field for its ability to help others, the intellectual challenge, or the potential for financial success, financial planning offers a dynamic and fulfilling path.

As demand for financial advisors continues to grow—especially with an aging population and a shift toward independent retirement planning—there has never been a better time to enter the industry. With the right mix of education, commitment, and a passion for guiding others through financial decisions, you can build a career that is both financially and personally fulfilling.

DISCLAIMER: The eMoney Advisor Blog is meant as an educational and informative resource for financial professionals and individuals alike. It is not meant to be, and should not be taken as financial, legal, tax or other professional advice. Those seeking professional advice may do so by consulting with a professional advisor. eMoney Advisor will not be liable for any actions you may take based on the content of this blog.

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