To mark International Women’s Day today, Lucy Haynes, a financial planning consultant at accountants Albert Goodman, talks about her experience at the firm.
Tell us about the start of your career 
I joined Albert Goodman Chartered Financial Planners as a secretary in 2015.
Shortly after, I became an administrator and started to study towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning.
I was lucky to have the opportunity to work with multiple consultants within the department, which helped broaden my knowledge and gain invaluable experience.
In 2018, once qualified, I was able to progress further and became part of the paraplanning team, where I was able to put my knowledge to the test, writing suitability reports for the consultants to present to clients.
Over time, this developed into a more client-facing role, assisting the consultants with gathering information in readiness for meetings. This was a great introduction to the role of consultant, which I started last year.
During that time, I undertook further studying and obtained certificates in Discretionary Investment Management and Long Term Care Insurance.
Why did you join Albert Goodman?
I needed to choose a career path and Albert Goodman could offer me the training and support to start this journey. Albert Goodman’s positive reputation was also an important factor, playing a huge part in my decision to join the business.
Being at Albert Goodman has allowed me to gain so much on-the-job experience. Be it through examinations and access to qualifications, as well as getting exposure to lots of different roles, responsibilities and types of work.
In the early days, what opportunities were offered to you, in terms of training and development?
I was quickly enrolled on a training course through the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). This gave me the qualifications I needed to progress within the industry.
As for wider experience on a day-to-day basis, I was offered the opportunity to work in a variety of roles, especially in the early days. I carried out administration duties not only for personal clients. but also corporate clients too. I also spent some time within our workplace benefits department.
My manager also carried out regular reviews to ensure any development needs were met and any opportunities available were offered where possible.
I always feel like I am given the opportunity to thrive if I’m willing to take on the challenge
Did you have any older, female mentors/role models & how they helped you and how did they inspire inclusion for you?
I am very lucky to be surrounded by many female mentors.
As a firm we have a great number of female members of the team at all levels, all of whom inspire you to continue on whatever career path you have chosen.
Within the financial planning team specifically, I have female colleagues who had already taken a similar career path, so it was a great example of what could be achieved. My manager recognised my enthusiasm to develop within the team and was instrumental in setting achievable challenges to help me reach my goals and provide the resources I needed.
Their continued encouragement and faith in my abilities is inspiring.
Now as a consultant, what are you, and the wider organisation, currently doing to inspire inclusion with younger generations?
Personally, I always try to be as open and approachable as possible, with the aim of helping to create an environment where everyone feels included and valued.
As an organisation, Albert Goodman is great at instigating open communications and offers equal opportunities for career advancement across the firm. They promote diversity and raise awareness, highlighting the importance of inclusion by providing relevant training and making sure there is an understanding of different perspectives.
Within financial planning we have specific job families aligned to each job role, which includes trainees and provides a clear career path for someone looking to start a career in the industry.
What advice would you give to girls and young women at the outset of their careers?
Have confidence in yourself and your abilities, whilst remaining open to learning from others.
Don’t be put off by what can be a competitive industry. We all have different career paths, but showing your willingness to learn and be part of a team is essential.
