Gilda talks about her switch to Financial Planning!
Financial Planners come from all walks of life. Gilda de Marcellis is a testament to this. Ten years ago she was working in the fashion industry, now she is currently studying to be a Financial Planner and loving the challenges that her new career is bringing her.

Gilda has been working the past year at Yellow Brick Road Investment Services as a Client Adminstrator with hopes to graduate and become a Financial Planner in the coming years!

Tell us about yourself. What were you doing before you started studying financial planning?

I was working in the fashion industry and I was bored. I wanted a change, something to stimulate my mind. It was a big decision to change careers, but I did it slowly. People often have a big career move in their life and it’s quite natural, I was really ready for it. I had made my mind up and I was very excited. It has transformed my life in a really positive way!

So at the moment I’m attending university, studying finance as it has always fascinated me. I was given an opportunity to work in the financial planning industry and I took it! But before I did, I researched it first for about 12 months. I went to the FPA trade fairs and also I spoke to a couple of financial planners that I knew.

I just think finance is really exciting. Money is a really important thing in people’s lives. I thought that looking to the future as in Financial Planning was interesting because it has so many dynamics. It wasn’t just specific to one area. There are different areas such as estate planning, superannuation etc. and that’s why I was interested. Investments are what fascinate me the most though.


How did you get your job in financial planning?

I really encourage people to become student members of the FPA. That is how I got my job where I work now, by networking and getting involved.

I think if you want to go somewhere you really need to get involved! Students really need to make a commitment and focus! Get involved and get commitment. Once you make the commitment that’s when things start to happen. That’s my advice.


What is the most rewarding part financial planning?

The learning. I am learning so much at the moment. I am not authorised to advise as yet, but I am working towards that. I have never worked in an office environment before either; everything is new which is exciting and I am never sure what’s around the corner. The learning aspect of it is always challenging, I just really enjoy it. The people are great here as well and I feel quite confident with a good team behind me.


Do you plan to do more study in the future?

I am studying at the University of Western Sydney and I am in the middle of my degree right now. I have also done a diploma in Financial Planning and I may consider doing my masters in Financial Planning or Business.

I attend classes at night three times a week and the class is actually really popular. Parramatta offers a couple of classes as well as summer sessions. If you wanted to go to TAFE they offer evening classes as well. The flexibility is great.

The CFP® Certification Program is also definitely on my agenda. This is a must-have for financial planners!


What skills do you need to possess to be a good planner?

You have to enjoy working with people and have good people skills. Integrity and ethics are also important. Firstly you have to acquire the trust of your client and then maintain that trusting relationship. Maintaining the trust is the most important step. You need to have an understanding that having integrity and putting your client’s interests and needs first, ultimately benefits everyone

I think planners need to strive to be recognised as professionals regardless of some of the negativity that is in the media. They need to hold that pride in what they are doing and strive for giving the best service and advice.


Do you attend any industry events?

Yes I attend the FPA’s young planner events. I think these are very valuable as they create opportunities such as networking. They are actually fun! It’s great to be part of any kind of team or committee as it really broadens your horizons in every way. There is one guy in my retirement planning class who I became friends with through group work. I invited him to an FPA event and he is really excited to come along.

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Do you find the study/work balance challenging?

Yes it’s definitely not an easy thing! As you get older you get busier! Especially if you create a family, it’s hard to balance work and homelife! But it keeps me out of trouble! It is challenging but it keeps me going. It’s really what drives me.


Being an ex fashion designer, if financial planners were an article of clothing, what would they be and what would they be made of?

They would have to be the top quality side. Can I drop names? Prada, Gucci, Chanel. That’s what I would expect. What would they be made of? These days they produce a lot of great good hi tech nylon! It lasts for years! Fine wools? Beautiful silks? Take your pick!