My Journey into Financial Advising

I never thought I’d end up pursuing financial advising—if you had asked me a few years ago, I would have said I wanted to be a doctor. But life has a funny way of redirecting us.

I grew up in Saudi Arabia and moved to the UK in 2021, which meant adjusting to an entirely different education system. I had to adapt quickly—not just to a new country, but also to new expectations, subjects, and career paths. Initially, I was set on accountancy, and after securing work experience at an accounting firm, I thought I had my future figured out. But after four weeks in the role, I realised it wasn’t for me. I wanted something that involved building relationships, offering strategic advice, and making a tangible impact on people’s lives—and that’s when I discovered financial advising.

How I Found My Passion

Getting work experience in financial planning wasn’t easy. I spent countless hours cold emailing and calling firms before finally securing placements at Salisbury House Wealth and other firms. That persistence paid off because once I stepped into the world of wealth management, I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What stood out to me most was how financial advising is about more than just numbers—it’s about helping people plan for their futures with confidence. Whether it’s cashflow modelling, retirement planning, or investment strategies, financial advisers play a crucial role in guiding people through some of the biggest financial decisions of their lives.

My Next Steps

Right now, I’m in my final year of A-Levels, working towards securing a financial adviser apprenticeship in 2025. My goal is to complete the Level 4 Diploma in Financial Advice and work my way up to Chartered status, learning from experienced professionals along the way.

I know how challenging it can be to break into this industry, especially when you’re figuring things out on your own. That’s why I’m always happy to connect with others who are looking for apprenticeships and share insights about my experience. If you’re on a similar path, feel free to reach out—I’d love to chat!