Breaking into wealth management with the SIE
Daniel has been in the banking industry since 2011 and plans on working as a wealth advisor in the very near future. Currently, he works as a personal banker at Citibank and resides in Manhattan Beach, California.
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Preparing for the SIE can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling school, work, and other family commitments. Daniel was in that same position, struggling to stay on track, until he found the right study course that finally made everything click.
With structured lessons, realistic practice questions, and a clear plan to follow, he transformed his study routine and built the confidence he needed to succeed. In this article, Daniel shares how Achievable helped him pass the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) and how you can use the same approach to set yourself up for success.
What motivated you to take this exam?
I have held several roles in the banking industry, from a teller to a personal banker. The next step in my path is wealth management. This role requires passing the SIE, Series 7, and Series 66.
What was the biggest challenge you faced during your prep?
I failed the SIE more times than I care to admit; my biggest obstacle was a lack of effective studying and material retention. The second biggest issue is confidence; that's where Achievable’s testing materials changed the game for me. The percentage meter boosted my confidence to never-before-seen heights.
Did you use any strategies, habits, or tools that helped?
My strongest habits, which yielded the best results, came from consistently performing full exam simulations. The more I take it, the more notes I absorb from Achievable’s helpful responses/answers.
Did your background or life circumstances shape how you approached prep?
Having three kids, a brand-new puppy, a supportive wife, and a full-time banking job are all factors. These time constraints and obstacles created even greater devotion and urgency towards passing my exams.
What advice would you give to someone just starting?
Learn your study method. Understand and identify your keys to success when it comes to understanding, memorizing, and retaining key concepts and rules.
How did you balance studying with other responsibilities?
I would work at my firm all day, then after work, I would frequent a local Denny's, where I could enjoy unlimited free coffee refills and a quiet side booth with noise-isolating headphones. I would also invest my Sunday mornings at a local Starbucks.
How did you feel going into test day?
Very funny and surreal. I went in the most confident I have ever felt. I felt like a powder keg, and I couldn't wait to pop. I kept running through the same scenario in my head, which was passing the test.
What role did Achievable play in your prep?
The review feature highlights my incorrect answers in the practice exams, and the confidence booster that shows a percentage of how ready I am. There is a wide array of questions as well.
Looking back, what would you do differently, if anything?
I would invest the majority of my overall exam prep strictly in multiple simulation exams.
What’s next for you now that you’ve finished the exam?
The Series 7, then the Series 66...then, become a wealth relation manager!
You can try our SIE course for free to see if it fits your learning style. And maybe you will be sharing your journey with us and others here, too!
Best of luck!
