CHAN YIT CHENG

Currently a penultimate student at the National University of Singapore’s NUS Business School, I became a financial consultant in my second year of university after getting exposed to the industry through an alumni networking programme. It was definitely scary entering the financial advisory industry as a full-time undergraduate, but I’m glad to have achieved what I wanted to do! 

Decide what you really want from a career.

I won’t deny that this career is fraught with stigma. That was a huge reason why it took me a whole year to decide on joining. Ultimately, I had to decide for myself what I truly wanted from a career and then all that was left was to take a leap of faith. The industry and the essential service it provides have always made sense to me because of my personal experiences with my family, so I am extremely honoured to be here doing what I love and serving my wonderful clients in whatever way that I can.

Remind yourself of the people you’re helping.

Some days are tougher than others and during those days, I always remind myself that there are people who depend on me to give my all. Every client that I meet deserves me in my best state, so I make it a point to always be learning and growing as their consultant. 

Have a heart for people.

I believe having a heart for people is the most important trait I look for. A financial consultant must be able to empathize strongly with his or her clients to provide the most appropriate recommendations. I strongly believe the best recommendations a consultant can offer are the exact ones that we would take up if we were in our client’s shoes. I treasure all the interactions I have with my clients daily, and the conversations we have about life while figuring out their financial planning are moments I truly appreciate. I do particularly enjoy my client appreciation projects where I deliver goodies to all of them! It has always been a joy seeing them excited about the snacks I send them.

Understand the industry for what it is, not what others say about it.

Appreciate the vital role financial consultants play in the landscape of Singapore’s economy and decide for yourselves if this is a career you see yourself in for the long term. This career is definitely not an easy one, but I assure you that it is infinitely rewarding!

Accolades

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