Your Future Starts Here: A Career in Financial Advice Like No Other

If you’re ambitious and looking for a career with real growth potential, global opportunities, and no corporate ceiling, financial advice could be the perfect path. But breaking into the industry isn’t always straight-forward.

Many aspiring advisers struggle to get started because they don’t have industry experience, can’t find firms willing to invest in their development, or end up in sales-driven roles with little long-term career growth. Others lack the mentorship and structured training needed to turn their ambition into success.

Without the right start, even the most motivated candidates can find it difficult to break through. So, how do you go from wanting to be a financial adviser to actually becoming one?

Why Breaking Into Financial Advice Can Be Challenging

Many talented individuals are drawn to financial advice, but the industry isn’t always set up to make it easy for new entrants.

For a start, most firms expect candidates to already have experience or an established client base. Without a structured entry point, getting a foot in the door can be a challenge. Others offer little in the way of training or career development, leaving new recruits to figure things out on their own.

Some firms also prioritise short-term sales targets rather than long-term professional growth, meaning new advisers spend more time chasing leads than developing meaningful client relationships.

Then there’s the question of whether financial advice is the right career. Many people are interested in the industry but want to understand what success looks like before committing to it fully.

So, how do you start your career in financial advice in a way that gives you the best chance of success?

The Academy at Skybound Wealth: The Best Start for Your Career

Instead of throwing new advisers in at the deep end, the Academy at Skybound Wealth provides structured training, mentorship, and a clear road map to long-term success.

We hire based on ambition, not just qualifications. You don’t need a financial background to succeed here, just a strong work ethic and a commitment to learning. The Academy provides a full training programme, covering everything from wealth management and investment strategies to client relationships and business development.

Advisers also benefit from one-on-one mentorship, working closely with senior professionals who have built successful careers themselves. This means new recruits don’t just learn financial theory, they gain real-world experience and insights from people who have been in their position before.

And this approach works. Advisers who began their journey in the Academy now contribute nearly 50% of Skybound Wealth’s revenue, ranging from recently qualified professionals to those with five to ten years of experience.

Your First Two Years: What to Expect

If you’re serious about becoming a financial adviser, it’s important to understand what the journey looks like. Here’s what your first two years in the Academy will involve:

Year 1: Learning While Developing Your Skills

New recruits join as Associates, gaining first-hand experience in client acquisition and financial planning while working towards their professional qualifications.

During this first year, Associates receive structured training, take part in hands-on learning experiences, and work closely with senior mentors who provide guidance on everything from paraplanning, business development, investment strategies, and client relationship management. All qualifications towards CISI Level 4 are fully sponsored, meaning candidates can focus on building knowledge without financial barriers.

By the end of the first year, Associates will have built a strong foundation in financial planning and relationship management.

Year 2: Progressing to a Financial Adviser Role

The second year is where Associates take a significant step forward in their career, transitioning towards a fully qualified advisory role. During this stage, they start taking part in client meetings, conducting policy reviews, and applying their knowledge in real-world financial planning scenarios.

Upon completing our Adviser Training Course, Associates move into a Financial Adviser role, where they begin managing their own clients and deepening their expertise in wealth management and financial planning.

At this stage, the focus expands beyond client acquisition. Financial Advisers build long-term relationships, develop tailored strategies, and support clients in making key financial decisions that shape their future.

By the end of Year 2, those who have embraced the process will have developed the confidence, skills, and experience needed to thrive in an advisory role, with a growing network of clients and a clear path for continued professional growth.

Is This Career Right for You?

The Academy is designed for individuals who see financial advice as a career, not just a job.

Success in this industry comes from more than technical knowledge. The best advisers are competitive, ambitious, and motivated to succeed. They build strong connections, communicate effectively, and are always looking to improve.

This career is well suited to those who:

✔️ Take ownership of their progress and are self-motivated.

✔️ Have strong communication skills and enjoy working with people.

✔️ Are adaptable, resilient, and open to learning.

On the other hand, this may not be the right career for those who prefer a fixed salary with no performance targets, struggle with self-motivation, or aren’t interested in building long-term client relationships.

For the right person, a career with Skybound Wealth offers unparalleled career growth and the opportunity to live and work in some of the most exciting cities in the world.

Kieron’s Story: From Football to Financial Advice

Kieron Donovan didn’t have a finance degree. He came from a sports background, growing up in Liverpool with a passion for football.

At 19, he wanted a career that provided opportunities for growth, but he had no industry experience and hadn’t taken the traditional university route.

After speaking with Skybound Wealth’s Head of People, Josh Watson, he joined the Academy. Through structured training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, he developed the skills needed to build his own client base.

A few years later, Kieron is now an adviser in his own right, managing international clients across multiple markets.

His biggest lesson?

"Your background doesn’t define your future, your effort does."‍

Kieron’s story is just one of many. The Academy has helped countless advisers take control of their careers, build their expertise, and achieve success in financial advice.

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Your Next Steps: Applications Open for August 2025

At the Academy, we don’t just train financial advisers, we develop future industry leaders. You’ll get real-world experience, personal mentorship, and the chance to build a career without limits.

‍If you’re ready to take control of your future, the next Academy intake is in August 2025.

We are accepting applications now, with a limited number of spots available. Want to know if this is the right fit? Apply today for a consultation with our recruitment team.