How Do I Become a Wealth Strategist?

Become a wealth strategist by utilizing your experience and education in a finance-related field to move into the area of wealth management. There are a range of jobs available in this field, from working with normal families to managing those with extremely high amounts of personal wealth, so different things are required for the different types of positions. In general, however, it is necessary to have an education in business or finance and experience working in trusts, investments, or financial management positions. Good interpersonal skills and the ability to plan strategically and creatively are also important traits that you need to enter into this field.

If you wish to become a wealth strategist, the first step is to obtain a bachelor's degree in business or finance from a four-year institution. Good grades are necessary because many companies prefer to hire those who have a master's degree in business, accounting or finance in addition to a bachelor's degree. A master's in business administration (MBA), accounting, or finance will give you an edge when you are applying for jobs in this field.

Experience is also a necessary requirement to become a wealth strategist. In order to be hired at most firms, you need to have at least a few years of experience working as a stockbroker, managing trusts, or working as a financial planner or manager. Some firms require up to ten years of experience, depending on the clientele, so it might be necessary to work your way up in the field once you enter it. A good way to get your foot in the door is to try for an internship at a firm while you are in school. While you might have to work unpaid, you will learn valuable information and meet people who can help you with job references.

Interpersonal skills are very important to become a wealth strategist, as the job entails working with individuals and families to help them plan for the future. This often involves sitting down with someone and asking him or her many questions about current assets, future plans, and goals in order to assess the best route to help him or her arrive there. For an individual to feel comfortable trusting you with his or her money, he or she has to like you first. Other important traits to become a wealth strategist are creativity and the ability to plan long-term. In order to help organize an individual's finances, you have to have a holistic view of the future.