Sharon Rogers, financial adviser at Alexander Beard Group, says becoming an adviser was "by accident, really".
She says: "I was a PA to a financial adviser for several years and enjoyed the interaction I had with clients.
"My old boss was getting close to retirement and I was worried about my own future so decided – at age 43 – to try to get some qualifications.
"I reached diploma status in nine months and approached the managing director and my boss to ask if I could be considered as a trainee adviser, and was fortunate enough to be given some dormant clients from my old boss to start my own client bank."
Perks of the profession
When it comes to what excites them most about the job, Rogers says it is very much about the people. She explains: "I am passionate about my job and enjoy talking and listening to people.
"Each client is like a new jigsaw puzzle and I have the privilege of being part of a client's journey to help realise their dreams over a number of years."
Crowley agrees, saying: "When I come out of a meeting I feel good that I have been able to help someone. I genuinely love my job, I always have done. To be a trusted person and help people make some huge decisions – I love that."
She says that flexibility, especially for mothers of young children, is a key aspect: "The job has great flexibility, the potential for no ceiling on your earnings, it is a great profession to be in and, importantly, you feel that you are giving back."
Payne says these elements are what students appreciate. He says: "Many of our graduates tell us that they are first and foremost attracted to the human aspects of the job: building a rapport with clients and helping them to plan for their financial futures, as well as those of their families.
"It’s the chance to provide a service and give something back that appeals the most, while the flexibility to balance a career with life outside of work is also an important factor."
Importance for the client and the advice business
Apart from it being a great job with plenty of flexibility, female advisers have stated that, on many occasions, women have approached them as they would prefer to have financial advice from another woman.
Rogers says: "I have spoken to a number of female clients who tell me that they prefer to speak to a female adviser as they are sometimes afraid to ask questions from a male adviser.
