For many, transitioning to a career as a financial adviser has been life-changing, offering greater flexibility, purpose, and fulfilment. The St. James's Place Financial Adviser Academy is here to help you overcome your fears and concerns so that you can embrace a better, brighter future.
But don’t just take our word for it – hear from our graduates too.
5 of our graduates respond to questions about their career happiness, progression and experience.
Are you motivated in your current role?
Yes - Miriam Murphy, Financial Adviser, Hall & Costello Wealth Management, Senior Partner Practice of St. James's Place.
Click to here Miriam's full career journey.
Becoming a financial adviser isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to thrive in a role that offers significant impact, opportunity and development.
- Empowerment: By helping businesses and individuals understand and manage their finances, you'll empower them to make informed financial decisions and reach their goals with clarity and confidence.
- Market opportunity: The demand for financial advice in the UK is now stronger than ever, with a need of 50,000 new financial advisers to meet the growing demand in the marketplace - seize it.
- Personal growth: There are many opportunities for personal and professional development opportunities, such as expanding your interpersonal skills, deepening your market and technical knowledge, and enhancing your problem-solving abilities - it never stops.
Do you have a healthy work/life balance?
Yes - Catherine Sanderson, Principal, Sanderson Clare Financial Solutions, Associate Partner Practice of St. James's Place.
Click to here for Catherine's full career change story from teaching to financial advice.
As a financial adviser, you can achieve a balanced, sustainable career well-being, with the ability to align your professional and personal life on your own terms. You can enjoy flexibility in several key areas:
- Choosing clients: You have the freedom to choose the clients you want to work with.
- Flexible work schedule: You can set your own hours and create a work schedule that fits around your lifestyle and personal commitments - letting the career work around you.
- Autonomy: Whether you choose to join one of our 2,600 existing financial advice businesses or build your own practice with our full support, you'll have the independence to shape your future and take control of your success.
Do you find a sense of meaning and purpose in your role?
Yes - Hansa Hirani, Managing Director, Hansa Wealth Management, Senior Partner of St. James's Place.
Click to see how much Hansa has made a positive difference to the life of her client Phil.
Being a financial adviser means you're there for clients through the good times - and the more challenging ones. Their well-being and accomplishments become intertwined with your own as you take on the role of their trusted partner and guide.
- Relationship building: The profession is all about getting to know clients, understanding their unique challenges and aspirations, and crafting bespoke financial plans that support their journey towards a better financial future - these relationships are not transactional, but transformational.
- Helping others: At the heart of the role is the desire to make a positive difference in people's lives - acting as a specialist, coach, mentor, and friend - in which your expertise and empathy combine to lead to tangible improvements in their lives.
- Client success: As you craft bespoke financial plans and guide your clients through important financial decisions, their successes and well-being become your own - a testament to the value of partnerships.
Do you feel supported and recognised?
Yes - Thomas Archer, Financial Adviser, T W Archer Financial Planning, Associate Practice of St. James's Place.
Our Academy is for all - no matter your previous background or experience. We welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a comprehensive, industry-leading training programme designed to help you become the best financial adviser you can be. We're here to empower you to thrive in your career, supporting and guiding you every step of the way.
- Unrivalled training: Our programme is structured across 4 terms, combining classroom learning, digital content, and practical workshops. We cater to all learning styles, ensuring that there's something for everyone and to learn in the way that suits you best.
- Unparalleled support: With over 160 specialists offering one-to-one coaching and regular mentoring and guidance, you'll receive expert guidance tailored to your professional and personal development - we're dedicated to helping you succeed.
- Spirit of the partnership: Our advisers don't just serve clients - they give back to the community, volunteering their times to act as mentors. If you're joining a specific practice, you'll typically be supported by the practice owner or senior colleague, or if you're starting your own business, another business owner will act as your mentor. Fostering a sense of connection is part of the SJP culture.
Can you see a clear career path progression?
Yes - Declan Lamyman, Principal, Lamyman & Co Wealth Advisory, Partner Practice of St. James's Place.
Click to find out in what ways SJP supports business owners thrive in the long-term
At our Academy, we offer a clear and structured path to help you reach your career goals - whether that's joining one of our businesses or starting your own:
- A rapid career start: We can help you to advise clients within 6 months if you're new to the profession, or within 3 months if you are already Level 4 qualified.
- Secure your future: With a 100% track record of graduates securing roles before they start and the flexibility to join an established practice or build your own, you can train knowing your career is in safe hands.
- Entrepreneurial opportunities: Gain the autonomy to be your own boss, supported by specialised business and marketing consultancy, and build a valuable, sellable asset for the future.
Career Check-In. Checked.
Embracing change may be challenging, but your career path is yours to create. With the right guidance and support, it can become easier. A rewarding career in financial advice is within your reach - seize it.
Start your journey to becoming a financial adviser today and join our thriving Academy community, which has already trained over 1,350 individuals.
First step is to have a conversation. Click here to get in contact with a member of our team.