How has passing the SIE helped you in your job search?
I’ve worked a majority of my career in accounting, and would like to switch into finance. I am currently studying for the SIE with Achievable, but I’m honestly unsure if this will be that beneficial in my job search. My ultimate goal is to become a wealth manager.
Thank you and happy studying!
Hi, welcome!
If you’re pursuing a career in finance, the SIE will definitely help your job search. We hear from many employers that they’re actively looking for candidates who have already passed their SIE since it demonstrates your ability to take the initiative and that you can pass these licensing exams.
As a wealth manager, it’s extremely likely you’ll need to pass your SIE, and then your S7.
I’d strongly recommend it to help you stand out from other people, even if it isn’t strictly required before getting hired.
I do not know your circumstances, but you have a work history as an accountant. That is more important than passing the SIE would be.
I’m a fella that graduated from college and passed the SIE in July. I have applied to financial firms (think Dimensional, LPL, RIAs, those people), and the SIE by itself hasn’t helped me get over the rubicon to the interview stage. I have no work history, however, beyond the simple restaurant-style work.
To put this more simply: if you have got absolutely nothing to show for work experience (which isn’t the case for you), passing the SIE on its own will not get you far. Passing the SIE and, say, the Series 66 together will get their interest if you’re wanting a career transition, I think. If you want to just work in RIAs only, pass the Series 65.
By the way, if you have a CPA, that will get wealth management firms’ attentions. They love CPAs (for obvious reasons, lol).
That said, if you have had this experience working in accounting for so long, the SIE could actually be quite trivial for you (especially if you’ve been exposed to yields, options, and all that funky nerd math). Still take it if you can, just to see if you find this whole process enjoyable.
I applied for one of the top 5 largest wealth management firms (On a path to become a wealth manager). I had an interview with the local office as well as a zoom one with the corporate office. A few weeks later I got a call back. They said it was really difficult between me and another candidate. We both basically did perfect in the interview and they really liked both of us, but they went with the other candidate because they already had their SIE. This position would have paid for me to get my SIE, Series 7, and Series 66. So will it be beneficial? Yes. Do I wish I would have gotten my SIE sooner? Yes. Should I be studying instead of typing this reply? Yes. You should be too.