How Do I Become an Agency Broker?

Agency brokers are professionals who work in fields such as real estate, insurance, and investment, and who help their clients to make the safest and most profitable financial decisions. An individual who works as a real estate agency broker, for example, might be responsible for making sure that his or her clients either can get the most money for their homes or can buy homes that are safe long-term investments. To become an agency broker, you first should learn about any licenses you need to earn in your area. In most cases, you need to take at least one course then pass a test to show that you understand practices and regulations in your region. While it might not be necessary, a person who wants to become an agency broker also should earn at least an associate's degree to hone his or her business communication skills and to improve his or her resume.

The exact functions of agency brokers vary depending on the fields in which they work. An investment agency broker, for example, trades in the stock market for his or her clients. It is the job of this kind of professional to make trades that help clients to generate the greatest returns without too much risk. Insurance agency brokers, on the other hand, help their clients to find insurance plans for which they are eligible and which provide them with all of the benefits they need.

In most cases, a person who would like to become an agency broker should research qualifications in his or her area. Clients in all fields count on their brokers to explain complicated concepts and procedures to them and to help them navigate through confusing processes. For this reason, aspiring agency brokers are expected to be highly trained and responsible professionals who do not mislead their clients. You should count on having to undergo continual professional development and to have to earn a license, which might have to be renewed periodically.

A person who wants to become an agency broker should get some formal academic training. To become an investment agency broker, for example, you can benefit greatly from a background in finance. Having this background can make the certification process much easier to complete and also can help you to become a more desirable job candidate. In real estate, an individual who wants to become an agency broker should plan on running his or her own firm with agents who answer to him or her and who communicate with clients. A background in building science, construction, or management can be helpful for this kind of person.