Financial services job - Advice please.

[Deleted User]

Hi. I am currently unemployed and looking to move into financial services (previously worked as an Analytical Chemist). I am happy to start at any level working in a bank or similar institution. However, I don't seem to be an attractive proposition for them. I don't have retail or customer service experience but I do have several years experience as a pension fund trustee and a lifelong interest in finance. I also have good numeracy and communication skills. I was wondering if it would be worth starting to study for the Diploma in Regulated Financial planning because I would like to become a financial advisor in the future. Any suggestions from those already in the field?

InsideInsurance

If you look in the Insurance board on this site you will see a thread about someone wanting to become an IFA as there are a few IFAs who post replies on that section.

My experience with bank staff is that they are seen as pure sales/ customer service staff and not "finance" but as you say it could be a stepping stone into that area though it may well prove to be a long stepping stone rather than a quick jump.

I haven't had a high street banking client for a while but inevitably you are going to suffer from either/ both over qualified and/or no sales/ cust serv experience.

Depending on where you live in the country you may want to set your sights a little higher and look to see if there is any way of leveraging your existing skills/ knowledge in terms of either an analyst type role or more aimed at the chemical industry (eg asset leasing to petrochemical organisations)