We wrote a blog post recently on the growing age gap in financial advice, and how financial planning firms could do more to invest in training and bringing in new talent. Over the past few months we have seen the flip side of this coin, as we have had occasion to speak with a number of recent graduates looking for an entry point into financial services.

A common theme amongst these graduates has been a desire to become Investment Managers or Analysts. This seems to be driven by the impression that investments is more ‘high brow’ or ‘sexy’ than financial planning. Their first goal is often to sit the IMC. However, with the technology revolution this is becoming a smaller space, and ever harder to break into.

We feel that there needs to be more awareness of what a good financial planner can earn and achieve, as financial planning is a growing space, and can offer excellent career routes for graduates. Recruiters have a role to play in this, but ultimately, financial planning firms also need to promote their industry.