Associate Advisers and Adviser Assistants

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Diploma of Financial Planning

Rebecca Ruck had some solid training on the trading floors of Canada’s Wall Street.

For two years she worked in that hectic, intense, fast-paced environment.

So working in Melbourne was always going to be a breeze for her.

Originally from New Zealand, Rebecca is an integral part of the adviser training program. Like most advisers, her need to help people drew her to financial planning.

“I just love helping clients. I like to build those relationships with people and help them get from A to B.”

Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)

When you have a passion, nothing will stop you from achieving your goals and this is how James Grixti approaches every day.

“I have a passion for investment. First Financial hired me straight out of university, and being able to work in the industry is fantastic. I feel lucky that I am already in this role… an adviser assistant to one of the company’s principals. It’s a real highlight that they have entrusted me with this position.”

Bachelor of Business (Human Resources)

Before university, Daniel Smith hadn’t ever really considered financial planning… he hadn’t come across it in his everyday life, but through his Bachelor of Business at university one introductory subject opened his eyes and set him down a clear career path.

“When I started to select elective subjects, I chose an introduction to financial planning… I found the strategy topics really interesting and so I continually chose finance subjects and went from there.”

Bachelor of Medical Science
Master of Finance
Diploma of Financial Planning

Jo Zhao’s career started with a Bachelor of Medical Science but after a couple of years working within a hospital environment she realised that it wasn’t her passion.

“I enjoyed it but I felt there were limitations… while I was working in the hospital I developed a strong interest in finance… I have a lot of family and friends working in the finance industry and that definitely influenced me to do my Masters.”

Bachelor of Economics and Finance

“I find it really satisfying when I’m able to help a client with something that is causing them stress or anxiety. This is something that gives me real job satisfaction… it’s really rewarding.”

Job satisfaction is extremely important and is one of the main reasons that Joel Gleeson decided to join the First Financial team.

Bachelor of Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Accounting

“Ever since I had my first job as a teenager… earning just $50 a week, I’ve been interested in finding out how to make your money work for you… I studied both finance and accounting but definitely found my interest in lay in financial planning.”

Nick Donato decided early on that he wanted to work in the finance industry. Completing both a Bachelor of Banking and Finance and Bachelor of Accounting at Monash University set him on his career path. And joining the team at First Financial as an Adviser Assistant was the next step in his progression.

Diploma of Financial Planning

“When I saw the role at First Financial, I knew the knowledge I had from working in the Brisbane firm would transfer across nicely and it has been a great opportunity for me to continue learning.

My goal is to be an adviser and I know exactly what direction I need to follow. I’m always looking to develop my skill set because I know the type of adviser I want to be.”

In the process of obtaining her Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning, Michele Kennedy has a firm focus on her career path. She moved down from Brisbane and joined the First Financial team in August 2019.