Professional Financial Services FSP

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to have a college diploma or bachelor’s degree or five years related work experience to enter the program.
• Coursework and/or experience in business and economics would be beneficial.
• Good mathematical ability is required for success in the program.
• Applicants should be prepared to work in groups on case studies.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• entrepreneurial and business marketing skills
• a willingness to keep up to date and consider new approaches to problem-solving
• confidence in your knowledge and suggestions
• able to work in a competitive environment
• able to deal with rejection
• quick learner
• good oral and written communication skills
• good listening and communication skills
• respect for client confidentiality
• the ability to get along with all kinds of people
• self-motivated

Useful background experience for this program would be

Sales and/or customer service experience.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become

Account managers, customer service representatives, loan officers, mortgage specialists, bank supervisors, insurance advisors, investment advisors, credit advisors, financial planners, wealth managers, retirement planners, or securities dealers.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work

• Mobility is an asset to promotion
• Work is in an office environment
• Work closely with colleagues in teams
• Can be a stressful work environment when meeting timelines

Places you may find yourself employed include

Trust companies, banks and other lending institutions, stock brokerage firms, insurance agencies, accounting firms, mutual fund companies or private financial planning companies.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

Investment Advisor

• discuss investment objectives with clients and make recommendations accordingly (for example, low risk securities only or a balance of high and moderate risk securities with long term growth potential)
• maintain strict confidentiality regarding client information
• buy and sell investment products
• advise clients on investment decisions such as what and when to buy and sell
• recommend securities and help clients develop a portfolio
• seek out new clients by identifying and calling on potential clients

Financial Planner

• help clients gather information from bank account records, income tax returns, life and disability insurance records, pension plan information and wills
• help clients calculate their net worth
• help clients identify financial goals and objectives
• explain and compare financial products
• make recommendations regarding how clients can achieve their financial goals and objectives
• help clients implement plans or refer them to other financial services or professionals
• build and maintain a client base by keeping current client plans up to date and recruiting new clients on an ongoing basis
• meet with financial product representatives

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Professional Credentials and Affiliations associated with this program:

• Some courses in this program will prepare students for the Canadian Securities Course exams.
• Graduates may be eligible to write the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) examination
• Life Licensing Qualification Program
• Financial Planning Standards Council

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: January 15, 2024