Six reasons why Financial Planners should consider furthering their education

29 January 2019

Dr Julie Knutsen

Head of Course for Financial Planning at CQUniversity.

There are many reasons why professionals should consider furthering their education. But if you are a financial planner, the recent reforms to raise the education, training and ethical standards in the industry means going back to study is almost inevitable.

That is why CQUniversity Australia has designed a new suite of financial planning courses to help practicing financial planners continue to succeed in their careers. Whether you are looking to fulfil the minimum educational requirements for financial planners, or are interested in taking your career a step further, our Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning, Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning or Master of Financial Planning have you covered.

What is more, CQUniversity’s courses have been designed with flexibility in mind. Study via our renowned online mode full or part-time and benefit from the outstanding support and experience of a world-class university. Be what you want to be with a uni that knows what you need to succeed.

1. Because it’s more flexible than you think

University study does not always need to follow a strict structure of lectures in halls, spending hours in a library, or moving your whole life to be closer to a city or campus. Many university degrees, such as CQUniversity’s suite of financial planning postgraduate options, are offered online which means you can fit your lifestyle in with your study.

To study online means that you’ll have flexibility and be able to access the course content in a number of ways, such as your desktop or laptop computer, your tablet or your phone via the internet. The learning resources at CQUniversity, for instance, include recorded lectures and workshops (to watch at your convenience), study guides, online discussion forums where you can connect with your peers and electronic library resources. You’ll be in touch with your lecturers, one on one through video conferencing or email and during regular online workshops. This gives you the ability to balance your study with your family and work commitments.

2. Because there are resources available to help with the financials

While there are many long-term benefits from investing in professional development, a postgraduate degree can be a big financial commitment. But don’t let that deter you. There are funding options including FEE-HELP and most universities offer scholarships that you may be eligible for.

3. Because you’ll improve your knowledge, communication and critical thinking skills (and your clients will be better off as a result)

Besides the specialist knowledge and skills that a good postgraduate course will give you, you’ll also explore rich debate and trends directly relevant to contemporary and successful financial planning practice. You’ll have the chance to showcase your experience, discover new ideas and further develop your critical thinking abilities around strategies and problem solving. This means you will be exposed to a wide range of knowledge far beyond the minimum necessary for professional practice.

4. Because you deserve it

A postgraduate degree in financial planning will distinguish you as an exceptional and well-qualified professional. With such recognition comes more opportunities and an expanded professional network. All of which translates into the potential for greater income and higher levels of personal satisfaction.

5. Because nothing can describe that feeling you get when you walk across a stage wearing that silly hat

But we’ll try. The immense pride of walking in front of your peers to accept a well-deserved certificate is a feeling like no other. It’s your moment to be recognised for your leadership and your competence.

6. Because you’ll soon have no choice

The Financial Planning profession has restructured its educational requirements. FASEA released its final Legislative Instrument for Relevant Providers Degrees, Qualifications and Courses Standard on Christmas Eve last year. Now, depending on their circumstances, existing advisors will need to either extend their qualification or obtain one by no later than January 1 2024*.

CQUniversity offers a range of courses that ensure you’re meeting these requirements. If you’d like to have a chat about the updated educational requirements or just about the industry in general, we invite you to connect with our Head of Course, Dr Julie Knutsen. Julie has more than 30 years of experience in financial services, merchant banking and stockbroking, including a solid ten years in financial planning. She also has a PhD in Financial Planning and an MBA, and would love to talk to you.  Send Julie an email on [email protected] or explore your options via the website.

 

References
*FASEA Standards Summary, November 2018, p. 7 https://www.fasea.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Standards-Summary.pdf

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