BENEFITS OF BECOMING A CFP® PROFESSIONAL

Successfully passing the CFP Board exam and meeting the other certification requirements is cause for celebration, especially for intrepid career changers. Certification in hand, the next challenge for many is building a career. CFP Board recognizes this challenge and offers a starting point. According to CFP Board’s resource entitled WHY GET CERTIFIED—FOR CAREER CHANGERS, there are at least four complementary strategies for helping you pass the exam and developing a career, including:

• Finding a Mentor,
• Using the CFP Board Career Center,
• Learning from others on the Certification Path, and
• Tips for Career Changers.

Our focus in this blog is on Tips for Career Changers. Quoting from the resource, “Most people change careers at least 3 times in their lifetime. Here are some ways you can position yourself for success along your path to becoming a CFP® professional.

1. Know what transferable skills you have to offer your future employer. In the case of financial planning, there are several key skills that you've probably developed at previous jobs, including communication/interpersonal, analytical, relationship management, marketing and project management.
2. Become a “superfan” of the field. Learn all about the financial planning profession by subscribing to industry publications, joining professional associations and attending conferences/social events.
3. Network with professionals in the field. Informational interviews are a great way to learn about the field and build your list of contacts. Who knows – you may even find a mentor or a new connection that leads to a job.
4. Have a solid job search strategy and be flexible. A well thought-out plan for job searching will minimize frustration and increase your chances of landing interviews. Initially, it’s important to focus on the areas that offer more jobs in your field, and also be creative and flexible in your search.”

Bottom line, consider using these CFP Board resources to build, maintain, and grow your career.