Looking young - Is it a problem for entry level financial advisors?

In May I will graduate from college with a degree in Finance. I'm currently considering whether or not to pursue a career as a financial advisor.

However, one of my main concerns is the fact that I look very young. I understand the high turnover rate in this business and I am aware of the difficulty in building a client base. It is difficult enough as an entry level associate learning the business.

If I were a professional I would be turned off by a young financial advisor. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any help!

It's a hurdle but looking young isn't going to stop you from being successful assuming you are willing to put in the work necessary. Don't get me wrong...there will be some older clients that will hesitate to work with someone who is young and new. You'll just have to work harder, prospect more and in the process gain some experience. Some people will always find a reason why something can't work (too young, too old, small town, saturated market, etc, etc). If you want to do this don't listen to anybody and just do it.

I'm a 28 year old advisor. I've only had one or two of the 100 or so client's I've met with so far say anything about my age. It's not about how long you look; it's about how professional you look, how you carry yourself, your maturity, your confidence, and your ability to interact with people who are of a different generation. If you can interact personally yet respectfully with someone who is older than you (old enough to be your grandparent) you'll be ok. If anyone brings up that "objection" there are a few ways to respond (they're posted on the internet) Just find one that you feel comfortable with and rehearse it and don't worry about someone bringing it up.
This business is challenging, whether you're old or young.
Good luck

I agree with these two guys.But, This job is a roller coaster. Most days your down a few days your up. Being young the problems i run into have nothing to do with talking to clients but rather having a support system that works. If you have to do everything from scratch its very difficult. Cold calling is a thing of the past...hate to say it but tis true. Best methods [obviosly] are referrals. But my plan of attack is to get in front of as many people as you can and create awareness of a problem. what i do is make up a story about a person who is similar in demographic to the person i'm in front of and explain how this person has valued my help and how easy you've made there lives. hope this helps

DanM1001 in Newark, Delaware said: In May I will graduate from college with a degree in Finance . I'm currently considering whether or not to pursue a career as a financial advisor .

However, one of my main concerns is the fact that I look very young. I understand the high turnover rate in this business and I am aware of the difficulty in building a client base. It is difficult enough as an entry level associate learning the business.

If I were a professional I would be turned off by a young financial advisor. Thoughts?

Thanks in advance for any help!

In our opinion, it isn't the look of the individual as much as the qualities of the individual that will make or break you in this industry. A lot of people will not mind someone who is younger as long as they are clearly knowledgeable on the topic of finance and financial planning, easy to get along with (this is CRUCIAL), and willing to listen in order to develop a personalized plan. This has always been our approach at Ernest J Jones Associates. Hope that helps