The Journey from Engineering to Financial Services: Career Change Lesson from Joseph Armah

Intro

Who is a financial advisor and how can they help you with your financial goals? Today, Mr. Joseph Armah, an engineer, mathematician, and financial advisor shares his journey from schooling on three different continents to getting into financial services. We also discuss the duties of financial advisors and how to identify the best advisor to assist you with your financial goals.

Guest Bio

Mr. Joseph Armah is an engineer, mathematician, and financial advisor. He grew up in Ghana, then studied in the UK and United States.

Q: Why did you decide to become a financial advisor?

I did not do it to get more money. I think that more money brings more problems, but managing what you have is still very important. I actually was very focused on my engineering and mathematics degrees instead of finances at the beginning. It was after I spent my time in the UK that I really began to looking into finances. I did not really choose to go into financial services, but it was my skillset and work history led me into that field.

It is important for anyone who wants to get into the financial services field to not do it for the money. Working with money sounds very tempting for those who want to make a lot of money, but that is not always what happens. The work is hard and you work long hours. If you do not enjoy the work itself, you will be miserable.

Q: What are some challenges you have faced while working in financial services?

It is a very big industry, so there is a lot of variety in this field. I spent a lot of time working with corporations, and not individuals. In that area, you are more focused on the raw data and the public image. It is important to follow the data in this field and not follow the emotions of those you are assisting.

The retail area of finances is more emotional. That is where you talk to people about what they personally need to do to improve their finances. It is a different dynamic. If you are looking at working in the retail field, you need to be at least a little bit excited about psychology as well as finances. You need to work with individuals, find out what they want from life, and be excited about what they are excited about in order to guide them to better financial health.

A thing to be careful about is to explain in detail the choices you are recommended. I have been very blessed to not have clients be angry with decisions I have recommended, and I believe that is because I make it a priority to explain my reasoning with them and help them understand the process. Let the client make the final decision.

Q: What are some of the successes you have enjoyed in your career?

One of the reasons I stepped into this field is to create a legacy. Helping people write their own stories, and being an enabler to the story of others, is very exciting to me. When I help other, I am leaving a footprint and a legacy in their lives. Financial reward is obviously a reward, but helping others writer their own stories is really why I am in this field.

Q: What advice do you have for those looking to get a financial advisor?

The first thing you have to look at is how the advisor aligns with your values. Religious perspective, economic views, and family values are all important factors that vary from person to person. If you and your advisor are fighting about values, you will not have a successful relationship.

The second thing is being clear with your advisor on what you are trying to achieve. Many people know they need financial advisement, but they do not say what their end goal is. Communication with your financial advisor is a necessity.

The third thing I would say is very important is to know the qualification of those who are giving you financial advice. Ask them about their training and about their work history. They may have a Ph.D. in finances, but if it is not the specific area you are looking for help with, then you will not get the best help for your situation.

Closing Thoughts

Financial services are a very important area of work. You should carefully consider what you are looking for help with, then find an advisor that aligns with your values to guide you on your journey. The rewards for this work are numerous, but helping other people to thrive on their own journey’s should always be the end goal.