Note card

Career

My very first class that I took in college was Psychology 101. This is not important necessarily because of what I learned about psychology, but it something else entirely.  It was because of the instructor of this course that I learned how to study.  Looking back at it, I can't believe how simple his idea was.  He said you need to make up note cards after each class then flip through them once a day.  His theory was that by reviewing them once a day you wouldn't have to cram for finals. He was right.  As it turned out, I used this method throughout my entire college experience to much success. 

About a year ago I was approached by the director of a wealth management shop here in my town.  He was interested in me becoming a wealth management advisor for his firm.  Keep in mind that this position is not picking stocks for clients.  In this position I would go and find clients, develop a team around them, and then present what we can do for them.

While this position was very intriguing and the salary significant, I didn't proceed with the interview process. After looking back at that meeting, the reason that I didn't pursue the position was due to my own perceived lack of experience. However, from this meeting I decided that I wanted to become more of a wealth advisor for my clients and not just their banker.

In order to be seen in a new light I concluded that I needed more education in all things wealth management.  Right after that meeting  I ordered a book, Private Wealth Management, and tore right into it.  It was fascinating and difficult to read and I made it about a third of the way in about three months before I decided to read something else.

Recently, I finished three on-line classes that my employer offers.  After thinking about my next education opportunity, I decided to pick up that wealth management book again. This time it was going to be different in how I studied it. This time I made it a goal to study the book one chapter at a time, make note cards, and then flip through them once a day. This is just like my college days. 

To make time for studying, at the end of the work day I try to set aside about 1/2 hour.  Most days I can fit it in and as it turns out,  I have come to look forward to this time of my day.  Since starting this exercise,  I can sense my confidence growing; as evidenced by speaking out more often in client meetings.  This will be part of my career until the day I "retire."

Here's to the simple ideas.  Here's to a teacher from 1992.