IFA/Mortgage Advisor

matt264

Hi,

Quick question, im currently researching into possibly studying for one of these, most likely the Cemap and then in the future the IFA one.

I have been applying for trainee jobs, however quite a lot of the jobs suggest I should either be qualified or part qualified and in the process of studying, and the ones that didnt, i unfortunately did not get.

I am wondering which path people would recommend and whether I should sign up to the course on the IFS website or continue to apply for jobs first.

I am currently in a job therefore would only be studying on the side unless I did get a trainee role which would not be too bad, but then having the qualifications is no substitute for experience. So I dont want to have paid and qualified for employers to then turn around and say you have no experience so wouldnt consider me anyway.

Aspiring_Writer

I would advise you to try the CEMAP course first, for two reasons:

1) It is relatively cheap and
2) It will give you an idea of your aptitude for this kind of work and whether you like it (or not)

It will be impossible to get a job as a mortgage advisor without being qualified. Firms just do not have the revenue/resources/inclination to train people anymore and they cannot and will not let you loose on the general public without experience & qualifications.

If you complete CEMAP and get a good 6-8 months experience & all is well, you might want to consider doing your Diploma. I would think very seriously before doing so though.

The cost, the regulation and the sheer bureaucracy in FS these days is enough to make you lose the will to live.

I'm not trying to put you off, financial planning is a socially important skill/requisite, and in the right environment, extremely financially lucrative but there are a host of factors to consider.

Just research all aspects before you dive in that's all.

Good Luck!

matt264

Thank you for the response, very much appreciated.