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Looking for a mentor that will guide a student on best practices to start a career in consulting.

Veteran

Nanci Espinoza Houston, TX

Looking to start a career in financial consulting once I graduate and need help on the best ways to increase my chances of getting into the field.

1 July 2017 4 replies Mentoring

Answers

Advisor

Louis Schwarz Somerville, NJ

Hi Nanci, if you are interested, a good bachelors program in Finance is essential. The field is very wide, insurance, personal lines, commercial insurance and reinsurance. Banking, brokerage and financial planning. Corporate finance and the big accounting firms are also an option. International finance is also a very exciting field. Do you speak Spanish?
Get a strong basic Financial education, look at MBA programs next, after you bachelors. Personal lines insurance may be the best start for you. Visit you local agent and discuss options with that individual. That will help get a flavor of that industry.
Have fun!!

Advisor

Jim Rohrbach Evanston, IL

Hi Nanci!

I coach Financial Advisors around the US by phone to help them grow their clientele. If that's what you mean by "financial consultant," forward me your resume and we can talk about who i might be able to introduce you to in the field.

Jim "Da Coach" Rohrbach
Coach@SuccessSkills.com
847 982-3268

Advisor

Jennifer Polhemus Santa Monica, CA

Given your potential, are "A" grades within your reach? Probably so! Get the very best grades you can, join the clubs or associations available in finance/business, & apply for honor societies.

Become a strong writer, which will set you apart. Easiest way to do this is to read a LOT. Time magazine every week plus a (quality) novel or nonfiction book every 1-2 months is a good goal.

Push ahead and best wishes!

Advisor

David Bisignani Youngstown, OH

Hi Nanci,

First of all, thank you for your service. If you are a Marine, you are definitely made of the right stuff.

I believe you will have to narrow your desires somewhat. I am certain that the financial world has many facets. But for purposes of this discussion, I am assuming you want to act as a financial adviser. I would do a simple Google search and find an adviser or consultant and then review their qualifications on LinkedIn to make sure that they can give you tips on getting started in a specialty that suits you. I would also advise trying to find someone outside of the area where you wish to work. In this way, they will not feel that you are competing with them for business. It would be even better if you could offer the person you meet with a referral as "compensation" for their time.

Finally, think about other things you hope for in life and try to match those with your work life. For example, if you think you want to get married (or have someone in mind), think about where you want to "settle." Do you want to remain in Texas? Do you want to be close to your own family (parents, siblings, etc).

What kind of income would you like to earn? Do you want to work in a corporate environment or do you want to start your own consulting firm? If you ware thinking of starting your own firm, you'll some idea as to how to get licensed, where your target market is and how you can differentiate yourself from your competition.

Also, remember that your instructors have a wealth of experience that they would be willing to share with you. Don't hesitate to ask them - they've all gone through what you are going through and can help you. Also, visit the job placement center at your school as they may be able to help you find some contacts.

Another good way to find contact is to do volunteer work if you can find something in your field.

I hope this give you something to start with. Best wishes on your success! I hope a real financial consultant responds to your query! (I am a software developer but I've learned a few things over the years.)

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