Staying the course toward a career in finance

As an aspiring financial services professional, my journey into finance hasn’t been perfect or linear, but it’s been real, and that’s what makes it meaningful.

After graduating from Year Up United, I continued my growth with Support to Succeed, a nonprofit led and founded by Meera Krishnan. That experience gave me structure, guidance, and accountability during a time when I was still figuring out my path. I’m now proud to give back by volunteering as a coach for a new cohort, helping others navigate their own journeys.

Taking steps for success

When I decided to take the SIE exam, my motivation went beyond just passing a test. I wanted to create opportunities not only for myself, but for my family, my friends, and my community. Financial literacy isn’t always accessible to everyone, and I want to be part of changing that. I also want to build generational wealth and help others understand how to do the same.

Preparing for the exam was challenging in ways I didn’t fully expect. I struggled with procrastination, time management, and balancing real-life responsibilities, including job searching, networking, and gig work. Some days I was motivated, and other days I wasn’t. Staying consistent was one of the hardest parts of my journey.

Finding the right study tools

I used Achievable and Kaplan to study, with Achievable as my first platform. The videos helped break down difficult concepts, and I also found outside resources like Series Guru on YouTube helpful. One strategy that worked well for me was using mnemonics and creating a structured routine with time blocks. Once I started managing my time better, I noticed my confidence slowly improving.

The first time I took the SIE exam, I was nervous yet confident. When I didn’t pass, it hit me hard, especially because I was so close. But instead of giving up, I used that experience as motivation. I knew I had it in me to pass; I just needed to be more disciplined and intentional.

Turning setbacks into opportunities

Going into my second attempt, I was still nervous, but in a different way. I wasn’t just nervous about the test; I was nervous about failing again. This time, I approached things differently. I didn’t overthink or second-guess myself as much. I used my time more wisely and trusted what I had learned instead of constantly changing my answers. When I finally saw that I passed, it felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders.

Looking back, there are definitely things I would do differently. I would be more consistent from the start, focus more on my weak areas, like ethics and commonly tested topics, and stick to a structured routine without procrastinating. I would also practice more and use my time more effectively overall.

Lessons learned in the process

One thing I’ve learned is that success doesn’t always come from being perfect; it comes from not giving up. Even when I felt unprepared or unsure, I kept pushing forward. I reminded myself that this is just the beginning. There are more exams ahead, more opportunities to learn, and more chances to improve.

Now, I’m focused on taking the next steps in my career in the financial industry. My goal is not only to grow professionally, but to use what I learn to help others, especially people in my community who may not have access to financial education. I want to make an impact that goes beyond myself.

If I could give advice to someone starting their exam prep journey, I would say this: be honest with yourself, stay consistent, and don’t let setbacks define you. You might not get everything right the first time, and that’s okay. What matters is that you keep going.

My journey wasn’t perfect, but it was real, and in the end, that’s what got me through.