Are you considering a career change but have no idea where to start?

We've broken down the career change journey into four key phases, each designed to help you focus on the right things at the right time. This framework ensures you're well-prepared and looking in the right direction. 

The four perspectives are:

  1. Looking outside: External resources and support
  2. Looking at yourself: Self-reflection and personal assessment
  3. Looking for learning: Skill development and growth opportunities 
  4. Looking ahead: Future planning and goal setting

For each phase, we'll provide you with practical tips, along with real-life examples from our graduates who have successfully navigated a career change and became a financial adviser. 

Read on for the first perspective. 

Looking Outside: External resources and support

When making a career change, it's logical to start by looking outside. This phase focuses on exploring outside perspectives and gaining insights from the world around you to make informed decisions and build a solid foundation of knowledge and information.

Start by asking yourself: What do I know, and what do I not know?

For example: What industry knowledge am I missing? Which skills or qualifications do I need? Who are the contacts that I haven't connected with? 

Identify your gaps and proactively find ways to get the answers. Here are three ways you can do so: 

  1. Networking - Build your community 
  2. Mentorship - Find your guide 
  3. Resources - Expand your knowledge 

1. Networking: 

Networking is one of the most powerful tools you can use during a career change. Connections often lead to new insights, opportunities, and long-term relationships. 

Goal: Connect with 3 new professionals each month from a field in your interest. 
Tip: Optimise your LinkedIn profile, do your due diligence, and be authentic.
Action: Attend one industry event or webinar each month. Don't just show up - engage, participate, and follow up afterwards.

Recommendation: Attend our exclusive monthly Discover event. It's an opportunity to connect with our industry experts about a career in financial advice, and other like-minded individuals interested in becoming a financial adviser.

Real Example: Learn from SJP Partner Kam Kaur Singh Finance Planner Dip PFS as she shares her valuable networking tips, from making connections on tennis courts to becoming a 'keyboard warrior'. These diverse strategies helped her come back to work after a career break and grow her own financial advice practice. Listen to her story. 

2. Mentorship:

A mentor can not only give you practical guidance and advice but also provide emotional support during a career change. 

Goal: Find a mentor within a month.
Tip: Be clear about why you want this mentor (e.g., Is it for industry insights? Is it for emotional support?) and use this to create key criteria for choosing a mentor (e.g., 5+ years experience, similar professional background, etc.).
Action: Reach out to 5 potential mentors (colleagues, industry experts, school alumni) and schedule a meeting. Don't just ask for mentorship - show what value you can bring to them. 

Real Example: SJP Adviser Declan Lamyman (Dip PFS) shares how his Academy Development Manager "took me under his way and just encouraged me" during his career change journey. Listen to his story.

3. Resources: 

There are many tools and resources available to help you navigate your career change. These can be both industry-specific information and personal development tools. 

Goal: Engage with three new resources a month (e.g., podcasts, online courses, books, etc.)
Tip: Curate a list of diverse resources and set clear objectives for each (e.g., "I'm reading this chapter to learn about X because it will help me develop Y skills").
Action: Set aside 30 minutes every week to engage with these resources. Keep a journal to write key insights and track progress. 

Example: Hear from Senior Partnerships Manager Gee Foottit CMgr FCMI DipPFS as she discusses what it means to take a 'leap of faith' in your career with Sam Oakes from the Financial Planner Life. What can you learn?

Career change isn't a one-size-fits-all. However, with this framework, it can help you navigate this journey with confidence and clarity. By building up a strong external support system around you of networks, mentors, and resources, you'll be better equipped to start - and sustain - your career change journey.