To become a Christian financial advisor, interested parties can obtain a bachelor's degree in finance from a Christian university, and seek employment at an investing firm that supports their religious world view after completing school. Advisors may also choose to become self employed and promote their religious viewpoints to their clients at their discretion if they prefer not to work with a larger company. Students can participate in school directed internship programs to gain experience prior to entering the work force while expanding their understanding of the inner workings of advising clients.
A Christian financial advisor helps clients invest and manage their money according to the principles dictated by their religion. The advisor can direct their clients regarding investment decisions, retirement planning, saving for college, and taking out personal loans. The religious views supported by this type of position may vary based on the advisor. Some advisors may wish to state the religious guidelines which direct their business decisions to clients at the start of their working relationship so that both parties may operate from the same foundational principles.
Many investment firms require employees to hold a bachelor's degree or higher to become a Christian financial advisor. A Bachelor's of Science in Finance and Investing may be obtained from a private Christian university. Classes will focus on similar materials that are necessary to understanding the world of finance, such as accounting, business law and ethics, and real estate development. They will also be taught from a perspective that is influenced by the Bible. Members of the faculty at these types of universities are typically Christian, and can guide students in structuring a career path that does not conflict with their faith.
While pursuing their degree, students may find it beneficial to participate in an internship that is sponsored by their Christian university. An internship program allows a student the opportunity to experience the daily work habits and skills necessary to become a Christian financial advisor in a structured, professional environment. These positions may be paid or unpaid, depending on the company offering the internship. The student will often be able to work directly under the guidance and instruction of a current experienced financial advisor, and create a positive relationship with the hiring company in the hopes of obtaining full time employment once his degree has been completed. This type of experience can also benefit the student's resume when he is ready to seek employment at other investing firms.
Once a student has completed his bachelor's degree, he can choose to work for a larger investing firm that supports a Christian world view, or become a Christian financial advisor on his own. Investment firms offer employees the benefit of working for a locally or nationally recognized name that is widely advertised. Clients are often assigned to advisors by management personnel, and advisors perform a minimal amount of cold calling to generate new business. Advisors who choose to remain self-employed often keep a greater percentage of their retainer fee than those who must share it with their firms. They must also, however, do their own advertising and perform cold calls to create their own client list.