Financial Services Agent

Your Fit

Income

$74K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

7.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Financial Services Agent?

A Financial Services Agent is a professional who advises clients on financial matters, including investments, insurance, mortgages, college savings accounts, estate planning, taxes, and retirement. They play a critical role in helping individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.

Sample job titles:

Broker, Equity Trader, Financial Advisor, Financial Consultant

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Financial Services Agent.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Financial Services Agent earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Financial Services Agent.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$48K per year	$58K per year	$74K per year	$100K per year	$147K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.28K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Financial Services Agent do?

Work environment

Financial Services Agents typically work in offices, either for a financial services firm or independently. Their work involves a significant amount of research, client meetings, and networking events. The role may require travel to meet with clients or attend industry conferences.

Quick task list

Analyzes clients' financial situations and develops strategies to meet their financial goals.
Recommends financial products and investments.
Keeps up-to-date with financial laws and regulations.
Builds and maintains client relationships.
Monitors clients' accounts and adjusts strategies as needed.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Investment Management: Focusing on asset and investment portfolio management for clients.
Retirement Planning: Specializing in retirement strategies and savings plans.
Insurance Services: Providing advice on life, health, and property insurance products.
Wealth Management: Offering comprehensive financial planning and wealth management services.
Corporate Financial Advisory: Advising businesses on financial strategies and corporate investments.

Description

Financial Services Agents provide essential guidance to help clients navigate complex financial landscapes. They must understand various financial products and markets, analyze financial data, and stay abreast of economic trends and regulatory changes. Their advice can significantly impact clients' financial health, making it crucial to maintain a high level of expertise and integrity.

Effective communication and interpersonal skills are vital, as the role involves explaining complex financial concepts in understandable terms and building trust with clients. Agents must also be adept at risk assessment, helping clients understand potential financial risks and rewards.

The career offers opportunities for continuous learning and specialization in areas like retirement planning, estate planning, or specific types of investments. Financial Services Agents often have the flexibility to set their own schedules, especially if working independently, but this also means they must be self-motivated and effective at time management.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Helping clients achieve their financial goals and secure their financial future.
Continuously learning about the financial industry and expanding expertise.
Building long-term relationships with clients and gaining their trust.

You might make a good Financial Services Agent if you are...

Interested in finance and enjoy analyzing financial markets.
Skilled in communication and able to simplify complex information.
Detail-oriented and enjoy problem-solving.
Ethical and committed to your clients' best interests.
Self-motivated with strong organizational skills.

Pros:

Potential for high earnings and growth in the industry.
Intellectual challenge and continuous learning.
Flexibility in work schedule, especially for independent agents.

Cons:

High pressure to meet sales targets and client expectations.
Requires staying updated with constantly changing financial laws and market conditions.
Building a client base can be challenging and time-consuming.

How to become a Financial Services Agent

Typical education

A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, or a related field is typically required, which is approximately 4 years of post-secondary education. Additional certifications or licenses may be needed depending on the services provided.

High school preparation

Courses:

Economics and Business Studies to understand basic economic principles and business practices.
Mathematics, particularly calculus and statistics, for financial analysis.
Communication or English to develop strong written and verbal communication skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining business clubs or participating in stock market simulation games.
Volunteering in community financial literacy programs.
Interning at a local bank or financial services firm.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
Consider obtaining certifications such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) after graduation.
Gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in financial services firms.

More resources

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) - Provides information on licensing and regulation of financial agents.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards - Offers resources and certification information for financial planners.
Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) - A professional association offering education, certification, and membership for investment and wealth professionals.
American Bankers Association (ABA) - Provides resources and education for banking and financial services professionals.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.