High School
Take as many business and mathematics courses in high school as possible. Speech classes will help you hone your oral communication skills, while English classes will give you the basics necessary to write reports for your clients.
Postsecondary Training
A bachelor's degree is generally the basic requirement for a career in retirement planning. Most retirement planners and other financial advisers hold degrees in accounting, business, finance, mathematics, law, or economics, as these directly relate to the type of work that planners do. Courses in taxes, estate planning, and risk management are especially helpful. You should also be sure to take classes in communication and public speaking, as interacting with clients is the cornerstone of this business. Good computer skills are also a must.
Other Education or Training
Keeping up with industry developments is key to success as a retirement planner. Professional associations often provide continuing education opportunities. For example, the Financial Planning Association offers continuing education (CE) classes, workshops, webinars, and seminars on communication and organizational skills, sales and marketing, and business and practice management. The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors also offers CE opportunities. Contact these organizations for more information.
- Accountants
- Assessors and Appraisers
- Auditors
- Chief Information Officers
- Commodities Brokers
- Compliance Managers
- Economists
- Financial Analysts
- Financial Consultants
- Financial Institution Officers and Managers
- Financial Institution Tellers, Clerks, and Related Workers
- Financial Planners
- Financial Quantitative Analysts
- Financial Services Brokers
- Investment Fund Managers
- Investment Professionals
- Investment Underwriters
- Mutual Fund Portfolio Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Managers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
- Statisticians
