What do we look for at the M&G Wealth Advice Academy?

5 min read 18 Oct 24

To excel in a particular job, you often need a specific skillset. This can vary from profession to profession, and some may demand a more niche skillset than others. For example, the best teachers often possess a patient and helpful nature to foster a positive learning environment. Compare this to a number-crunching accountant, where analytical skills take centre stage, and you can begin to see how different careers can vary. So what do we look for during the recruitment process at the M&G Wealth Advice Academy? What are the key building blocks we deem paramount to becoming a successful financial adviser? Let’s take a look at our top four.

1. A people person

This might come as a surprise, but the importance of interpersonal skills shouldn’t be underestimated. A big part of being a financial adviser ultimately boils down to developing and nurturing relationships, whether that’s with existing, new or potential clients. Because of this, we’re always on the lookout for the ability to naturally hit it off with people. You don’t necessarily need to have the gift of the gab, but the proficiency to strongly and confidently communicate is a must. In our eyes, this goes a long way during the recruitment process. And can form the bedrock of where other important skills – such as the ability to empathise and listen – can grow from. When it comes to people’s money, trust is everything. So it’s important you have the ability to instil a strong sense of this when promoting your services as a financial adviser.

2. A self-starter

We place considerable value on energy and proactivity. It can be a key factor in whether the advice business flourishes or fails. If being a people person is one side of the coin, the flipside is very much having an eagerness to make things happen. Not only does this mean putting yourself out there – making connections, networking, illustrating the value financial advice can offer – but also being forthright in other areas, such as ongoing professional development. In other words, having a genuine enthusiasm for the role will put you in a strong position to excel. This can be particularly important when studying towards various accreditations and diplomas in your journey to become fully qualified. There’s a lot to learn, so having a positive can-do attitude will pay dividends. 

3. A problem solver

Part and parcel of being a financial adviser is being presented with complex financial and life scenarios. It’s common for people to seek advice when faced with difficult decisions, where the path ahead isn’t clear-cut. That’s why they’re willing to pay for expert financial recommendations. Having a knack for problem-solving can be a tell-tale sign that you’re able to work through a specific issue and decide on the most appropriate course of action. We’ll sit up and take notice if we think you’ve got the foundations for this. Being pragmatic and inquisitive enough to unearth what’s causing a problem doesn’t come naturally to everyone, and it’s a valuable trait to have in the world of financial advice. Your current job may require you to do this to some degree already, or maybe you enjoy spending your free time cracking sudoku puzzles. Point is, it’s an easily transferrable skill – one that can be further honed and refined to tackle financial-related conundrums..  

4. An entrepreneurial spirit

Becoming a fully qualified financial adviser is one thing, but it’s often just the first stepping stone in your career path. From that moment on, how lucrative and successful you become, very much depends on your ability to think with a commercial hat on. That means being ambitious; having the ability to think on your feet and being a good negotiator. Bringing new ideas to the table, especially when it comes to acquiring new clients can be a deciding factor in how well you can grow your business and reputation. The sky’s the limit. And we appreciate a willingness to think outside the box.

No financial experience? No problem

You may feel like you already have some of these skills and behaviours, and At this point, you might be thinking; where’s all the mention of technical financial knowledge? Isn’t that what financial advice is all about? To a degree, yes – possessing a sound understanding of the likes of financial products and tax is considered the bread and butter of the profession.

But it’s important to know that you don’t need any prior experience on this front. It’s by no means something we look for during our recruitment process. So don’t worry if you can’t tell an ISA from a pension just yet; technical prowess can be taught and learned, something which we can support you with. What can’t be so easily taught are the inherent behavioural traits that make up your personality, some of which we’ve covered in this article. So if you’re feeling apprehensive about your current level of financial understanding – don’t be.

Even the most experienced financial advisers were once in your shoes. Everyone started somewhere. Contact us and begin your journey today.

Become a financial adviser

Apply now