Opportunity beckons for aspiring financial planners
The Old Mutual Academy for Financial Planners celebrated its third graduation in Sandton recently and highlighted the incredible opportunity this initiative offers to young, previously disadvantaged graduates interested in pursuing a career in the lucrative field of financial planning.
According to Anthony Petersen, head of the Old Mutual Academy for Financial Planners, the academy was developed to address a growing need within the industry for qualified financial planners across the racial spectrum.
"We are looking for young previously disadvantaged people between the ages of 25 and 32, who have a degree or diploma, preferably with finance subjects. They must have at least one years work experience."
He says the academy's objective is to develop a new generation of independent financial planners who offer professional advice and freedom of choice to their clients.
"In the past, brokers began as tied agents with a financial services company and became independent only after many years. Going through the academy helps young previously disadvantaged advisers fast track their careers, as they are equipped to go on their own right from the start."
The year long course includes training in consultative skills, financial products, legal and technical issues and practice management. Much of the year is spent in the field applying the knowledge learned in the classroom under close supervision. "By the end of the programme, we are confident that the advisers will have the skills to provide quality financial planning advice to clients from all ends of the wealth spectrum."
Petersen says the November academy graduates, most of whom were recruited into the programme by both Old Mutual and Nedbank Financial Planners, bring the total number of planners who have successfully completed their one-year course in Financial Planning through the academy to 120 since the launch of this groundbreaking initiative in April 2004.
Should you be interested in exploring this opportunity, please contact Anthony Petersen on (011) 447 8184.
