How can I get required financial work experience to become a Certified Financial Planner while still teaching?
Asked by Storm R
I’m interested in becoming a Certified Financial Planner, but I’m facing something of a “Catch 22.” In order to complete the requirements for the formal certification as a financial planner, a person has to have 3 years of financial work experience. I’m currently a full-time high school social studies teacher, and would like to make the transition to the new career as quickly as possible after I retire from teaching (in about 10 years). What can I do while I’m still a full-time teacher to get the financial work experience I need so that I can make the transition to a Certified Financial Planner without having to spend 3 years getting this experience after I retire from teaching? Thanks in advance for your time, ideas, and information.

Best Answer:
That's tough, since I'm sure you have a busy schedule. Contact Life/ Health insurance agents and financial planners in your area and see if any of them have summer positions open. Maybe some of them are open on Satudays? (Long shot.) Maybe you'll find someone who will take you under their wing in a mentor/ mentoree relationship. You could always get your life and health insurance license and start selling annuities (considered a financial product). From there you can get your Series 6/63 and/or 7 licenses so you can sell variable interest products. You can do all of this on your own, working for yourself. Perhaps you can ask other financial planners how they got their start? Best wishes.

Try to post your question on www.monster.com finance message board
Answered by fusionmustang