MICHELLE Sinclair-Doyley was appointed manager of client financial education at JMMB in January. She has also served the group as a personal portfolio manager, marketing sales officer, senior administrative supporter and legal secretary.

Her role was newly designed, based on the shift in the operations of the economy. This week, she shares with Career & Education an insight into her career.

Who is a manager of client financial education?

A manager of client financial education is responsible for the development and execution of programmes which create a more financially aware and goal-oriented investing public. As manager of client financial education, I am charged with the responsibility of sharing seemingly complex financial information in a simple way that potential investors can understand and make wise money management decisions.

What is the value of the work that you do?

My job has numerous values. One of the primary values of my job is that I provide our customers and the general public with financial knowledge and empowerment which make them better able to achieve their financial goals and make better financial decisions. I help our customers to accomplish their financial dreams, whether that it is higher education, home and/or business ownership or comfortable retirement.

What do you enjoy the most about your career?

I enjoy providing others with the financial tools they need to improve their lives while living in my purpose and walking in God’s plan for my life as I help to empower others. I enjoy knowing that I am making a difference in people’s lives and ultimately the lives of people who depend on them financially. I am happy to know that I am helping persons to realise their dreams, whether it is sending their children to university, buying a home or retiring comfortably. For me, financial education is important, as new understanding causes people to adjust their financial habits and experience financial breakthroughs. I can see the impact of the information even as I watch the faces of the persons at my presentations, and their dramatic expressions show that their minds have just opened to a whole new world of possibilities.

What are your responsibilities?

As the manager of client financial education, I am responsible for showcasing JMMB as a financial expert which goes beyond giving excellent investment options, to educating about savings and investments, helping clients and potential clients to recognise financial opportunities by delivering financial presentations at seminars, workshops and other special events, producing financially centred articles for print publications, writing a bi-weekly article called ‘Finance Made Simple’, helping to increase JMMB’s visibility to the public and supporting the sales team by helping to create financial opportunities and providing financial education.

What are the qualifications for your job?

Applying for a job such as mine, you will need a sound financial background and education, preferably at the postgraduate level, coupled with at least five years’ experience in portfolio management. Additionally, you must have very good teaching/training ability, interpersonal skills, radio and television interviewing skills, public speaking ability and written communication skills.

What are some of the challenges you face on the job?

With every job we face challenges. One major challenge I face in my role as manager of client financial education is inspiring people to ‘action’. I believe that with greater financial knowledge, persons should be moved to take the next action. Therefore, if I get wonderful commendations on my presentations yet persons do not act, I believe I have failed.

I am also challenged to be inspiring, innovative and dynamic in delivering financial education in a way that meets the needs of each audience with their unique and often diverse financial goals. Each presentation has to be tailored to the specific circumstance of each audience, and so I have to ensure that I am also flexible and engaging.

What advice do you have for others who wish to enter the field?

This is a great profession that allows you to impact the lives of others while utilising your financial knowledge. It provides a good opportunity for persons who love working with people and finance. I find it to be a rewarding career.