Stephen Springer ⋅ Anaheim, CA WFG - Transamerica (1 year) ⋅ 1 years experience

Hi Travis,

Thank you for your service.

To answer your question, one of the best solutions to get into the financial industry if you don't have experience is to become a non captive agent with a strong company.

Being non captive has many advantages

1. No boundaries - You can benefit in any state
2. You get to walk with your book of business
3. No limit / cap to your income potential. You produce you get paid. Your team produces you get paid. Plus there are company bonuses.
4. No manager, no supervisor, no boss, no quotas - although there are incentives you get to set your marks
5. No competition. You are trained with some of the industry's top mentors and product providers
6. By being a non captive agent you offer your clients better deals and pick the best plan that suits their needs.
7. To get started all you need is a Life License - As you get more seasoned you can get other licenses.
8. You get the gaps in your resume filled.
9. Your time is your own
10. Great rewards.

In my business one in ten earn six figures. We have been consistently growing when other companies have been laying people off. We work with the top agencies in the country with over 100 affiliates. Most importantly, most of our agents comes from other industries besides the financial industry and they are making big money.

I hope I was able to answer your question. Feel free to contact me anytime

Stephen Springer
Marketing Manager

Stadium Towers Plaza
2400 East Katella
Suite 800
Anaheim, CA 92806

(o) 714-627-2463

Tripp Bowles ⋅ Richmond, VA BB&T ⋅ 20 years experience

Travis-
Congratulations on your transition and I applaud your drive to succeed in the finance industry. I have had sort of dual careers since leaving active duty in the mid-90's....Army officer and financial services. The civilian career has been hampered by several deployments....but I have kept at it and would not change a thing as you and I both know the big picture security needs of our country.
The industry has problems....as easily seen by the '08 fiasco and subsequent fines on most every large bank. I therefore feel that bright employees who are willing to sacrifice personal gain for the good of the team can go far and will be sought after by senior leaders within my industry. Often I find young folks in this industry who feel "entitled" to high positions and fat salaries only because of their family or alma mater....you obviuosly are not this.
There is nothing wrong with a teller position starting out.....you will pick up the technical aspects quickly......but the skills required to deal with individuals (and mostly thier needs/problems) is the real critical learning objective here.....MASTER IT.....and you will go far in finance. Additionally, arm yourself with a legitimate 4-yr degree. Attend every internal school the bank offers. Consider branching out into services.......financial advisors get more autonomy and once you have the proper licenses and credentials, your career is your own.
More people are going to be retiring over the next 30 years.....they will need good financial advice provided by someone they can trust. You are proven....in the toughest way.....and if you have been entrusted with the lives of other Marines, money should be no problem.
Hope this helps.
Tripp

Joseph Tryon ⋅ Warminster, PA U.S. Army, Sergeant Major ⋅ 23 years served

I SERVED FROM 1966-1969 IN THE ARMY AS AN ENLISTED MAN. THEN I WENT INTO THE ARMY RESEVES FOR OVER 25 YRS. IN 1970 I STARTED IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY AS A TELLERJOVER THE NEXT 17 YRS I WORKED FOR THE SAME COMPANY. IN 1987 I BECAME THE PRESIDENT OF THE BANK. SO ONLY IN AMERICA CAN YOU GO FROM TELLER TO PRESIDENT. WHEN YOU RAISED YOUR RIGHT HAND AN SWORE TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION YOU BE CAME AN AMERICAN HERO. OUR FORE FATHERS PUT

Roni Meikle ⋅ New York, NY Financial Industry Regulatory Authority ⋅ 16 years experience

Thank you for your service.

You may want to think about what you want to do or focus on in the financial services area. Banking is one route, but securities is another to consider. On the regulatory side, the SEC and FINRA hire entry-level staff and offer comprehensive training programs. Your military training can be a bonus there.
You may also want to check out WallStWarfighters.com which is affiliated with Drexel Hamilton in Philly.

Lastly, get on LinkedIn if you're not and network through financial groups.

Best of luck!

James Harper ⋅ Cave Creek, AZ U.S. Army Reserve, Lieutenant Colonel ⋅ 34 years served

Edward Jones is accustomed to bringing in veterans and I have a couple of former officer friends who have been quite successful as financial advisors. They have a program where you can maintain the same income you now have for the first two years with Edward Jones. Check them out. Email me if you want more specific details jimsharper@gmail.com.