Even at a young age, Sharona Tai (below), consultant trainee at Convoy Financial Services, appreciates the importance of saving to prepare for the future. She hopes to develop her career in financial planning to help others nurture the habit of saving with easy to handle investments. She joined Convoy in August this year to fulfil her dream of helping others accumulate wealth. She talks to Wong Yat-hei.

What is your academic background?  

I graduated with a degree in industrial engineering and engineering management from the City University of Hong Kong. 

How do you start your day?  

I do market research and meet with my teammates. Digesting daily global investment marketing news is also a main task for me. These help me gain market insights and equip me with important information to share with clients. 

What does your job entail?  

Being a financial consultant is very similar to being a volunteer because they both entail giving without asking for rewards. Being a financial consultant, we need to think from the client's perspective and offer them the most suitable services and tools. 

What challenges have you encountered?  

Sometimes I am hesitant to call my friends to ask them if they want my services because they may have misunderstandings about the job. 

What have you learned about your chosen career and what are your plans?  

This career has inspired me to keep trying. I will not hesitate to call anyone who may need my services. I plan to approach more people to offer them my knowledge in financial planning. I don't really like setting a target number to declare myself successful or having reached a breakthrough. 

Any advice for potential interns or trainees?  

Keep trying! This is a career for people with positive energy and sincerity to help others. Financial planning is an important part of one's life and has to be taken seriously. Sincerity is important in winning your client's trust. You'll never know if this career is for you unless you've tried and - most importantly - have tried your best.