Starting a career in finance after a career change

Making a career change into financial services isn’t for the faint of heart, especially when it means tackling exams like the SIE and Series 66 head-on. For Wilson, passing wasn’t just about meeting requirements; it was about building foundational knowledge of the U.S. financial system and understanding the “why” behind the regulations that protect investors.

From navigating wording-heavy questions to balancing months of disciplined study with everyday responsibilities, this journey was as much about consistency as it was about mastering the material. If you are looking to make a career change into finance, Achievable can help you take those critical first steps.

What motivated you to take this exam?

My motivation was very career-driven. I’m transitioning from hospitality management to a long-term career in the financial services industry, and passing the SIE and Series 66 were the gatekeeper steps to becoming an Investment Adviser Representative. I honestly see these exams not just as requirements, but as foundational knowledge that shapes how a person understands the U.S. financial industry. I didn't just want to see that beautiful word "PASS" on the screen: I wanted to actually understand the "why" behind the regulations that protect investors.

What was the biggest challenge you faced during your prep?

The biggest challenge with both the SIE and the Series 66 was shifting from memorization to actual understanding. The Series 66 is especially nuanced. It’s not about recalling definitions — it tests whether you understand how regulations connect, how suitability works in real scenarios, and how fiduciary responsibility applies in gray areas. In other words, it’s a wording exam! Another challenge was staying consistent over a long period. The Series 66 took me about 4 months of preparation. There were moments of mental and physical fatigue.

Did you use any strategies, habits, or tools that helped?

For both exams, I followed a structured approach. I used Achievable as my main textbook because it breaks down complex topics into manageable sections and builds concepts progressively. I made sure to complete each chapter and take the quizzes immediately after to cement all the concepts and main ideas. For additional practice, I used Kaplan’s QBank. That’s where the real mental workout happened. The questions were challenging and forced me to combine multiple concepts at once, which is very similar to the real exam experience. I also used ChatGPT regularly as a study buddy to break down difficult topics and explain the “why” behind rules. That helped me move beyond memorization and really understand the logic behind regulations.

Did your background or life circumstances shape how you approached prep?

Definitely. I finished my academic studies back in 2019, so I had to "re-learn" how to be a student. Coming from a hospitality management background, I had to be very intentional about my time. I couldn't just browse the material; I had to treat studying like a second job. That discipline actually worked in my favor because I approached every study session with a specific goal rather than just clocking in time.

What advice would you give to someone just starting?

Don’t underestimate how interpretation-heavy these exams are - especially the Series 66. Focus on understanding the concepts, not just memorizing terms. It's super important to ask yourself “why” constantly. Also, trust the process. If you follow a structured plan and stay consistent, improvement happens gradually. Don't panic when your practice scores are low at the start. That’s just part of the process.

How did you balance studying with other responsibilities?

Consistency was the key. I set aside daily study blocks and treated them as non-negotiable. Some days were longer than others, but I made sure to log on and complete a few subchapters each day. There were definitely social sacrifices and moments where I had to prioritize studying over other activities, especially as the exam date approached.

How did you feel going into test day?

Cautiously confident is the best way to put it. I knew the Series 66 would try to trick me with subtle wording that felt like it was written in a foreign language. What kept me calm was my preparation: I had completed over 40 practice exams and spent 4 months studying. I knew that even if I saw a question that looked like Chinese, I had trained my brain to deconstruct it. I wasn't calm because I knew everything; I was calm because I knew I had done the work, put in the hours, and put in the effort.

What role did Achievable play in your prep?

Achievable was the backbone of my entire certification journey. It made the material feel approachable, actually interesting, and fun to learn. It didn’t feel like a dense and boring textbook - it felt logical. That readability is what made a four-month study window sustainable without me burning out. I actually went to Reddit after each exam to share my experience because I wanted people to know that, for career-changers like me, Achievable is a game-changer.

Looking back, what would you do differently, if anything?

I would have started doing "mixed" practice exams much earlier. I spent a lot of time mastering individual chapters, but the real exam requires you to jump from Ethics to State Law to Investment Vehicles to IA vs. BD in seconds. Early exposure to that mental gymnastics would have saved me some stress and time.

What’s next for you now that you’ve finished the exam?

Next stop: The Series 7! I’m riding this momentum straight into the next one, and I’ll definitely be using Achievable to get me through it.