Thinking about studying a degree in financial planning? Hear from two Deakin graduates, Luke and Wayne, about why they chose their course, their experience during their studies, and life after graduation.
After seven years as a physical education teacher Luke was looking for a new direction in his career.
‘Financial planning was an area that had always interested me. I was never raised with an understanding of investing, compounding interest, stocks, real estate, superannuation or financial strategy, but they were all areas that piqued my curiosity,’ Luke says.
‘I figured, what better way to learn about them and to combine my teaching skills than to go back to study and become a financial adviser.’
Study financial planning, no matter your level
Luke chose to study a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning part-time, a common study mode for people looking to make a career switch.
For Wayne, a career in financial planning was already a well-worn path. Equipped with 30 years’ experience in the industry, Wayne was looking to add to his qualifications and Financial Adviser Standards education requirements, so decided to study the Master of Financial Planning.
‘I wished to do the Estate and Trust Administration unit which is necessary to become a Trust and Estate Practitioner. Secondary to that was the fact that the financial planning subject lecturers at Deakin were experienced financial planners,’ Wayne says.
‘My decision to enroll at Deakin was confirmed as being the right one when I discovered that many of my fellow professionals were also enrolled.’
You can also choose to major in financial planning within the Bachelor of Commerce. You will examine both the theoretical framework of financial planning, plus the practical application of the theories and strategies.
Finding a balance between work and study
The flexible tutorial and lecture times meant that Luke was able to study financial planning in-between his busy schedule as a father and casual relief teacher.
‘Most of the tutorial and lecture times were offered after hours which worked fantastically for me as I would base my other commitments around my night or two at uni. For the classes that were during the day I would spend my whole day at Deakin and use the library to study, update my notes and work on assignments,’ Luke says.
Like Luke, Wayne also chose to study part-time, so he could balance his studies with a full-time job. The support of both his peers and academics online and in-person was a particular highlight of his experience.
‘The greatest support I had was being part of a study group of fellow planners. We had a regular Zoom meeting every Sunday evening to discuss assessments and unit content, and we all learnt from each other,’ Wayne says.
‘The knowledge that I could contact the lecturers online and offline regarding any matter was critical to my enjoyment and confidence in the course and its content.’
The path to accreditation and a financial planning career
When it came time to complete the accreditation process, both Luke and Wayne say the process was a smooth one.
‘I received outstanding help and support from the lecturers and they were always willing to clear time in their schedules to help with any questions that we had regarding the content,’ Luke says.
Both the Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and Master of Financial Planning meet Financial Adviser Standards.
Not long after applying for jobs in the industry, Luke took his pick from three different job offers – including two from interstate – and secured a position in a boutique financial planning firm close to home.
His experience studying a postgraduate financial planning course remains a decision he is very happy with.
‘I highly recommend this course for anyone considering studying financial planning at Deakin. All the lecturers were incredibly qualified, presented beautifully, and were incredibly personable giving time to anyone who wanted it. The course material was all relevant to the job and I am continually applying what I have learned in my new role as a paraplanner,’ Luke says.
Expand your knowledge with a Master of Financial Planning at Deakin
For Wayne, even with a wealth of experience in financial planning under his belt already, he says that studying a Master of Financial Planning at Deakin was a step in the right direction for his career.
‘After 30-odd years in financial planning it was refreshing learning new material – much to my surprise and delight. Combined with my experience it has given me great insight into the application of this knowledge,’ Wayne says.
‘This course has given me a new lease on life. I am now more motivated and passionate about the profession of financial planning.'