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How the SIE can lead to your dream job

Learn how Logan Burress, a recent MBA graduate, began his journey to becoming a financial advisor by passing the SIE.
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Logan Burress
15 Nov 2025, 2 min read
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Insights from Logan Burress
Financial Advisor, Harding University

Logan is a recent graduate of Harding University and is pursuing his goal of becoming a Financial Advisor. He successfully passed his SIE exam and is focused on passing his Series 65 exam to achieve effective status as an Investment Advisor Representative.

Table of contents

    Balancing a full course load, a full-time job, and studying for an important exam can feel overwhelming. But thousands of test takers have been in the same position, and Logan Burress is one of them.

    While working toward his degree, Logan used Achievable to prepare for and pass the Securities Industry Exam (SIE). Read on to learn how he overcame obstacles to reach his goals and advance his finance career. If you’re looking for motivation, Logan’s story can help inspire you to take the next step toward your future.

    What motivated you to take this exam?

    Growing up, I aspired to be a financial advisor and ultimately pursued a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and a Master’s of Business Administration.

    What role did Achievable play in your prep?

    I was hired at a firm to become a financial advisor and got a special deal on a program called Achievable. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed by the process of obtaining my SIE, but after engaging with the material, I felt less so. I pursued my degrees during the day and studied at night. Luckily, I found a material that was easy to comprehend, and I had software that helped me retain the information.

    What was the biggest challenge you faced during your prep?

    I didn’t face too many challenges, as I know others are working full-time and studying the material, but it was a challenge nonetheless. Towards the end, I got discouraged as my first complete exam did not go as planned, but I continued the path. Throughout my schooling and while studying for my SIE, I utilized time-boxing to manage expectations and improve my time management skills.

    How did you feel going into test day?

    Going into the test, I had spent 50 hours studying, had a background in finance, and still felt nervous. I used last-minute prep videos from other providers to have a comprehensive, 90-minute overview of the material.

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

    Now that I have passed my SIE, I am actively studying for my Series 65! I plan to pass my exam and gain the necessary license to be granted effective status as an Investment Advisor Representative.

    You can try our SIE course for free to see if it fits your learning style. And perhaps, someday, you will share your journey with us and others here as well!

    Best of luck!

    Logan Burress's profile picture
    Logan Burress
    15 Nov 2025, 2 min read
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    Achievable SIE - $99
    Pass the FINRA SIE on your first try with Achievable's interactive online exam preparation course. Includes everything you need: easy-to-understand online textbook, 2,000+ review quizzes, and 35+ full-length practice exams.
    Easy-to-understand online textbook
    2k+ chapter quizzes
    35+ practice exams
    32+ bonus videos
    A textbook page from Achievable's FINRA exam prep course