The ability to build solid relationships with people and organizations is one of the most important qualities for a finance professional to have. Susan Musser told the Polk County Business Journal about how an initial career in nursing helped her realize that she enjoyed helping people, a discovery which eventually led to a job as a financial adviser. She said that although the two paths may at first sound divergent, her mentor told her that "80 per cent of his job consisted of nurturing financial relationships with individuals, families and business owners". Ms Musser added: "That's what I had been doing as a nurse - nurturing relationships." One of the most satisfying aspects of her job as a financial adviser is the opportunity to help people "improve their quality of life," she said, explaining that she also enjoys the autonomy and license to make important decisions. A bachelor's or graduate degree is strongly preferred by employers for the position of financial adviser. A focus on accounting, finance, economics, business or mathematics is considered good preparation. Financial advisers have median annual earnings of $66,120, according to the most recent Department of Labor statistics, though this amount can vary considerably depending on experience, location and employer.  |