CN Group trainee features in article highlighting alternative routes into financial planning

Amelia Herbert, trainee financial planner at CN Financial Planning has featured in a Money Marketing cast study highlighting alternative routes into the careers in the field.

In the feature case study how ‘Becoming a financial adviser is about more than being academic’, Amelia Herbert, a CeMAP, CeMAP Diploma and DipFA holder, explains her route into her current financial career and explains the benefits of demonstrating aspirations to be a Financial Planner early in your career decision stage.

Amelia Herbert further explains how a different route than an academic route through University is paying off. Now a trainee financial planner at CN Financial Planning, Amelia is proving that academic credentials aren’t the only path to success in the financial advice industry. She said:

“I enjoyed school and college, but I realised structured learning didn’t suit me. I wanted a role that gave me the freedom to study in a way that worked for me.”

Since joining CN Financial Planning nearly three years ago, starting with client reviews and administrative tasks. Within a year, Amelia has progressed into also writing basic recommendation reports. Today, her responsibilities have expanded to include complex financial recommendations, annual suitability reviews, and investment committee research.

Amelia also features in a recent article by Walbrook Institute London as she is currently working toward the Advanced Diploma in Financial Advice from the London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF), with plans to become chartered and begin training as a mortgage adviser next year.

Amelia advises entering the profession straight from college can be a powerful signal to employers that “shows you’re serious about the role and eager to grow”, she explained. For those who haven’t gone to university, she recommends showcasing strong A-Level results, mock exam performance, and teacher references to demonstrate capability and commitment. She added:

“University can be a great option for some, but becoming a financial adviser is about more than being academic. It’s about understanding people, building trust, and helping clients make confident decisions about their future.”

Amelia has been selected specifically for the media coverage due to being one of the youngest people in the UK to achieve on her study path.

Andrew Baggott, Managing Partner at CN Group commented,

“Our ethos at CN is to recruit, mentor and elevate young talented individuals to be the professionals of the future. Amelia is a prime example of this.”

Amelia’s journey is a reminder that alternative routes into professional careers are not only valid: they can be transformative. Read the full article and Amelia’s case study via the Money Marketing website.