Interview with a Financial Planner

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Interview with a Financial Planner

• Presented By
• Lisa Atkins
• Marie Gonzalez
• John Williams

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Mark Johnson

• Began in sales
• Current position financial manager, Goldman
  Sachs
• B.S. and M.S. from DePaul University
• Served as Regional Manger with 401(k) plans
• Began in personal financing division in 1999

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Typical Work Routine

• 7 a.m. Observes charts and stocks
• 9 a.m. Contacts clients
• 11 a.m. Drives to local gym/lunch
• 2 p.m. Finishes administrative tasks
• 3-8 p.m. Converses with clients
• Averages working 60 hours per week

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Advantages of the Position

• Operates in a powerful position affecting others
• Enjoys changing situations
• Being creative with money

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Disadvantages of the Position

• Being in the most regulated industry
• Overwhelmed with documentation
• Dealing with client far-fetched expectations

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Successful Skills Within the Firm

• Adapting well to the field
• Dependent upon the individual
• Work smarter, not harder

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Determining if This is the Proper Field

• Retailing within the firm
• Operating in institutional division
• Having broad communication skills
• Have an ego

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Preparing for the Position

• Learn from the School of Hard Knocks
• Be knowledgeable in the principles of marketing
• Understand financial basics and the 80/20 ratio

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Qualifications

• Obtain at least a bachelors degree
• Take the CFA exam
• Attain necessary licenses
• Have additional certifications
• Update security licenses

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Advancement Opportunities

• Become an investment analyst
• Act as a portfolio manager
• Expand into a range of management positions

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Salary Range

• Start with a base salary
• Paid based on commission
• Bonuses within the firm

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Reasons to Choose Goldman

• Recognized in industry
• Extensive research and other resources
• Work schedule flexibility
• Unconstrained by bureaucracy

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Related Firm Opportunities

• Look to the Big Four
• Working for smaller, related firms

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Training as a Financial Planner

• Discuss finance fundamentals
• Reviewing stock analysis
• Networking with potential clients
• Visit headquarters in Princeton, N.J.

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Changes Occurring Within the Field

• Increase in legislation
• Increased circulation of marketing information
• Growth of financial divisions

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Employment Outlook for College Graduates

• Reduced number of openings
• More selective
• Maintain knowledge of finance
• Gain experience to stay competitive

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Professional Associations

• Apply for Financial Planning Association
• Apply for the Certified Financial Planning Board
• Participate in professional events
• Maintain industry contacts

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Recommended Reading Material

• Read New Financial Advisor and
• Gathering Assets
• Keep up to date on tax information
• Research-related news publications

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Resumé Essentials

• Take advantage of opportunities to gain
  experience
• Acquire knowledge of building client base
• Become familiar with other industries

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Improving Your Marketability

• Network a list of 200
• Find a common ground with clients
• Present seminars

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Advice for Students

• Refrain from memorizing formulas
• Know how to market yourself
• Remember Finance is an art
• Value your customers

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Thank you.Questions?