Skills, confidence up

After six months, Kelly McNerney feels more comfortable with the technology and software platforms she works with as an associate financial planner at FJY Financial.

She recently began making trades herself with the firm’s custodian.

“It’s a little scary,” Ms. McNerney, 22, said. “With the click of a button, you can really make a big mistake if you’re not careful.”

In a relatively short time, she’s also learned more than she expected and her confidence is growing.

Monthly investment committee and financial planning meetings are making more sense, and she’s taken on a special project for the firm.

Ms. McNerney is reviewing cash management and budget applications, and websites, to see if there’s anything that would be useful for clients, she said. She plans to take the initiative on even more tasks.

“It’s important for me to do research for different projects on these committees or even in terms of business development,” she said.

The William Paterson University graduate also started studying for the certified financial planner exam two weeks ago, and she expects to take the test in March.

GROUP STUDY

Two others at Ms. McNerney’s Reston, Va.-based firm are on the same testing schedule, and the trio plan to study together and hold each other accountable, she said. It’s easier to stay on track when someone’s right there watching every step, she said.

FJY Financial offers its employees incentives to pursue the leading adviser certification.

“They encourage us to take a portion of our day if we want to study,” Ms. McNerney said. “Right now, I’m studying after work at home, but I probably will study some at work too as the test date gets closer.”

FJY Financial also bought her review materials and will reimburse her for the exam, she said. If she passes the exam, she’ll get a raise.