When you think of a financial planner, what images come to mind? For many, financial planning seems like a career that is only for the seasoned veteran. In an effort to recast the perceptions of the profession, the Texas A&M University Financial Planning Program sat down with financial planners and asked them to share their story. As you will see, financial planners come from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and educations.
This series, titled “This is My Profession,” will hopefully shed light on the diverse career and networking opportunities within the financial planning profession.
Kate Healy, TD Ameritrade Institutional
Managing Director of Marketing
In your opinion, is there a need for individuals to join the financial planning profession?
“We know that the need for advice is greater than ever with the investing public. So there is a severe need for financial advisors to join this profession. There is a 32 percent growth rate predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics just by the year 2020; 75 percent of advisors do not have a succession plan in place.”
Why did you choose to work within the financial planning profession?
“It’s a really rewarding career that allows you to help people in ways that really change lives, it offers a lot of flexibility and you really could have a good life as a financial advisor.”
Brian Leitner, CFP®, ChFC, Mariner Wealth Advisors
Practice Management Senior Vice President
In your opinion, what is financial planning about?
“If you have a burning desire to go out and help people, financial planning can be an unbelievable career—that’s what it’s really all about. That’s what I didn’t understand early on.”
Alexandra McGowen, RGT Financial Advisors
Financial Planner
Why do you encourage women to look into a career in financial planning?
“I think it’s a really great opportunity. You get to experience a challenging environment in terms of things you have to learn and retain but you also get to have relationships with your clients, which are so important and come naturally to a lot of women.”
