If you are looking for a career with a growing demand, high-income potential, time flexibility, and the ability to help others, then a job as a financial advisor would be right for you.
The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes financial advisors as personal investors who "use their knowledge of investments, tax laws, insurance, and real estate to recommend financial options to individuals based on their short-tern or long-term goals" (2). As a financial advisor, you can offer a wide range of products, such as funding for education, saving for taxes, mutual funds, estate planning, retirement planning, etc., or you can specialize in just one area.
Would you like a job with the number one outlook potential? According to the Jobs Rated Almanac, the number one spot belongs to financial advisors, out of 250 (156). Increased interests in investments are resulting in rising employment opportunities for financial advisors. With longer life expectancy rates, the baby boomers need to finance themselves for more years of retirement. The Occupational Outlook Handbook points out that many people are investing in self-directed retirement programs, for example 401(k) plans (4). This increases the demand for financial advisors because people need advice on where to invest this money. Also banks, as well as insurance companies and brokerage firms are now able to incorporate each other's financial services, making them each a one-stop financial institution. With these companies looking for financial advisors to help assist their already established customers, it increases the outlook for this career.
As a financial advisor, you can be well rewarded for your efforts. Sercurian, a financial company, says that, "If you are persistent, dedicated and achieve results, you will receive monetary rewards that enable you to pursue you life goals" (1). But if you need facts and figures to convince you, then consider this: The Occupational Outlook Handbook reported that in 2000 "the median in annual earnings of a financial advisor was $55,320.
