Continuing education is a term that encompasses a world of lifelong learning, especially for financial planners. Learning and developing as a professional is more than studying for new designations and the day to day of planning within a firm. It’s similar to when you go to school, and people mention that most of what you learn will be outside of the classroom. There are several avenues to enrich your experience and breadth of knowledge that stem from being engaged with the people of the financial planning profession. Here are 3 keys to engaging in your profession. 

• Join Professional Organizations - There are various organizations that will assist you in connecting with other professionals in your community with similar interests, working with/looking to work with similar firms, job opportunities, as well as informative conferences. Organizations such as the Financial Planning Association, National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, and Chartered Financial Analyst Society are a few examples of groups you can connect with.

• • Find a Cohort -  Within these organizations, there are unique initiatives to create a tighter-knit community. In addition to getting involved with relevant associations, it is additionally advantageous to find applicable initiatives or small groups to dive deeper into. 

• • Annual Costs Associated (approximate) -

• • • FPA: 
      • CFP® Professional: $375 plus local chapter dues
      • Allied Professional: $299 plus local chapter dues
      • Aspiring Financial Planner: $50

• • • NAPFA: 
      • NAPFA Associate: $445 plus a one-time processing fee
      • Pathway Member: $249 plus a one-time processing fee
      • Student Affiliate: $150 for part-time students or $35 for full-time students

• • • CFA Society:
      • Regular Membership: $275 plus local society dues
      • Affiliate Membership: $275 plus local society dues 

Note: Many firms include in their benefits a continuing education benefit or allowance and/or coverage of professional memberships and dues, so this is something to look out for and to make sure to utilize if applicable. 

• Finding a Mentor - Mentorship and apprenticeship are strong underlying principles of financial planning and most professions. It is important to find trusted professionals that can assist in guiding you through your journey and career. You may meet your mentor via a host of avenues such as your education or certificate program, professional organization involvement, conference attendance, referral, or even Linkedin. I would recommend checking with your school regarding mentor programs that may be available through the program, aforementioned organizations, and larger firms that may have dedicated programs. Your mentor's path won’t be exactly like yours, especially because financial planning changes and develops every day, but they can serve as a sounding board and a source for guidance through new topics, job opportunities and transitions, and personal and professional development. 

• Media: Read, Watch, Listen! - Media outlets such as podcasts, Youtube videos, and blogs are common ways that thought leaders of the profession share and discuss current topics, events, and share insights pertaining to the profession. It’s imperative to maintain knowledge of developments of the profession via whichever platform and planner suits your preference. Additionally, it may be helpful to participate in available discussion boards for organizations or study groups to further develop your thoughts on current events. Be encouraged to check out the following:

• • Financial Advisor Success Podcast 
  • Nerd’s Eye View Blog 
  • XYPN Podcast
  • You’re a Financial Planner, Now What? Podcast
  • New Planner Recruiting Podcast, Youtube, and monthly blogs

Engaging in your profession as a new planner is an essential way to solidify the knowledge that you’ve gained, as well as further develop and grow your abilities. Getting involved with professional organizations, making lasting connections with mentors, and keeping up with media from planners with platforms of interest to you will allow you to expand your insight and advance your career.

If you are entering the financial planning profession or seeking the perfect fit with a top-tier financial planning firm, submit your resume here or peruse our openings for entry-level planners. We are here to help you in any way we can so you can secure your dream job!

 

Jayla Blakemore