Career Progression

The purpose of this section is to explain how you can plan your future career within Financial Services and what you should put in place to progress yourself further. 

This industry has gone through many changes and with the FSA trying to set standards even higher it is important you keep pace with the changes that are taking place. 

Changing Your Current Work Role Programme.

This section has to be treated very seriously and you need to do a lot of soul searching. This is where you may have decided that being in Financial Services is not the right career for you. In this section, you are advised to carry out various exercises to help you to come to the right decision. You may be unhappy where you are and convinced that Financial Services is not for you. In most cases, the solution is quite simple. It could be that you are working for the wrong company and that all you have to do is look at a different employer but in the same industry.

First exercise

Put it all down on paper or on your personal computer where you can refer back to the various exercises you will be doing.

  • Assess where you are today.
  • What have you achieved so far in this industry?  List your successes.
  • Where do you want to be?
  • Where do you see yourself in a few years time?

Second exercise

List out the following:

  • What do you like about your job? List out as many points as possible. There should be at least 10 main points.
  • What don’t you enjoy about your current job?

Then have a think about your past career.

  • What have been the most enjoyable past roles – and why?
  • What was the most positive and exciting part of your career?
  • What has changed since then?

Now have a big think and design your ideal job.

  • Describe what type of an ideal position would be for you?
  • Include your duties and functions.
  • What do you want most out of this job?
  • Why is this job ideal for you?

Third Exercise

What obstacles are in your way? You need to list things that may get in your way which could include timing, financial, lack of advice etc. When you get to this stage it is vital that you start to include others because this is not a decision you can take on your own. What we suggest is that:

  • You confide with your spouse or partner. (We feel essential)
  • Speak to friends and family. (They know you best)
  • Contact a Career Coach or Career Counsellor.
  • Speak to us – It’s free!
  • Why not confide with your work colleagues.

Sometimes it’s your friends and mates who can offer the best advice. But it is vital to get the backing and support from those nearest and dearest to you. 

Timing

So if you have decided that you want to change career. Make sure you have pursued all existing options and alternatives within the Financial Services side. You may be in Financial Sales and think you have had enough of being in a sales role – having the pressures of performing to achieve high sales targets, so why not consider other options that can fully utilise your existing skills such as:

  • Being a Para Planner – who are in great demand.
  • Why not find a Compliance role.
  • Explore local IFA’s who may have a variety of vacancies.
  • How about looking for a Supervisor role training new starters.
  • Administration work etc.

So if you have finally decided to leave Financial Services – the next thing to consider is WHEN. Timing is critical. Once you have made a decision the chances are that a mighty weight has been lifted from your shoulders and can start looking to the future with a certain amount of excitement.

This is it! A start to a new and exciting life. Now you need to be positive, upbeat and full of enthusiasm.

So when it comes to timing, you need to consider the following:

  • How much holidays have you got owing to you.
  • What bonuses or additional payments are you do?
  • May and October are probably the best times to look around.
  • Good times to start a new job is January or September.
  • Plan ahead and give yourself a decent lead in time. Say 6 months.

NEVER RESIGN BEFORE YOU HAVE A NEW JOB LINED UP.

NEVER START A NEW JOB UNTIL YOU HAVE HAD A DECENT HOLIDAY BREAK.