Study pays off for paraplanner

Two years of study have paid off for Shane Ali who has just qualified as a Paraplanner with Birkett Long Independent Financial Advisers.

Shane decided on a career in the financial services profession as this would suit his strengths, which include analytical, mathematical and technical research.

He said: “Qualifying was challenging and included passing six exams. The support from the Financial Planning Managers at Birkett Long IFA was invaluable.

“My Team Leader, Nicola Ward, is active in encouraging both myself and other team members to progress through the exams and regularly checks on our progress.

“Birkett Long also funded the exams and relevant training courses to assist with my qualifications, which was greatly appreciated.”

One of the aspects Shane likes about his role is keeping up with the investments market and watching how major economic and political events can affect investments and thus their suitability for clients.

“I like to research new products and help source new opportunities for the advisors and our clients.”

His next aim is to become a Chartered Paraplanner, which is equivalent to a degree: “I am currently looking at this course with a view to commencing the qualification in 2017.”

Nicola Ward said “Birkett Long encourages the career progression of employees with both funding the cost of exams and mentoring. At Birkett Long IFA this has been a great success with two trainees qualifying as Financial Planners, a third will qualify this year and now Shane qualifying as a Paraplanner. “