what is an advisor?
As an advisor, you are a person with specialised talents, experience, and skills in a particular field. You use those traits and knowledge to assist, inform, and mentor others. You can specialise in a wide range of fields, such as finance, law, real estate, education, and healthcare, among others.
To become an advisor, you must have a relevant educational and professional background in the field you wish to advise in. For instance, a financial advisor should have a degree or certification in finance, accounting, or economics, and a law advisor should have a law degree and be registered with the Bar Council of India.
You play a crucial role in helping your clients navigate complex issues and make informed decisions that can have significant impacts on their lives or businesses. Your advice is objective and impartial advice, keeping the best interests of your client in mind. You also keep yourself up-to-date with the latest developments in your field and provide timely advice to your clients based on the latest information.
Does a career as an advisor appeal to you? If you feel as though your areas of interest and expertise could mesh well with your willingness to share your knowledge, keep reading to find out what skills and competencies are needed to thrive in this role.
advisor vacanciesaverage advisor salary
According to Talent, the average salary of an advisor in India is ₹393,246 per year. This falls on the lower half of the overall spectrum for this profession. Entry-level advisors tend to make upwards of ₹240,000 per year. Conversely, the highest-earning advisors make as much as ₹10,15,683 per year.
factors that affect an advisor's pay
Experience is a crucial factor that affects your pay. Advisors with several years of experience in their field are likely to command higher salaries than those who are new to the profession. Clients value advisors who have a proven track record of success in their field and can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Qualifications are another significant element in your earning potential. If you have higher degrees, certifications, or specialised training in your field, you are likely to command higher pay than those without. Additionally, working in metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore are likely to earn more than working in smaller towns or rural areas.
types of advisor
As an advisor, your role is to provide advice in your given area of expertise. As a result, you can essentially be an advisor in any field and your role will remain the same. That being said, there are common types of advisor roles with unique aspects, and they are:
- financial advisors: this is one of the most common types of advisors. In this role, you help clients with financial planning, investment management, tax planning, and retirement planning. You also provide personalised advice and guidance to help your clients achieve their financial goals.
- legal advisors: as a legal advisor, you provide legal advice and guidance to clients on various matters such as contracts, dispute resolution, litigation, and corporate law. You may work in law firms, as in-house counsel for companies, or as an independent consultant.
- real estate advisors: this role is particularly common in urban areas. In this role, you provide advice and guidance on buying, selling, and leasing properties. You also help clients with property valuations, legal documentation, and negotiations.
- career advisors: in this role, you provide advice and guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and career development. You can work in educational institutions as a consultant or in career counselling centres.
- healthcare advisors: here, you provide advice and guidance on healthcare management, medical tourism, and wellness programs. Healthcare advisors can work in hospitals, clinics, or as independent consultants.
working as an advisor
The specific duties of an advisor include the following:
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advisor job description
The specific duties of an advisor include:
- advising clients: one of your core roles as an advisor is to provide objective and impartial advice to your clients. You keep the best interests of your clients in mind and provide advice that is in line with those interests. You avoid having any conflict of interest that could influence your advice.
- maintaining confidentiality: part of your role involves not disclosing any information about your clients without their consent, except in cases where the law requires you to do so.
- staying up-to-date: in order to give the best advice, you stay up-to-date with the latest developments in your field. You continue to build your knowledge and expertise and keep yourself informed of changes in laws, regulations, and industry practices that may affect your clients.
- keeping records: you maintain proper records of your interactions with your clients. You keep a record of advice given and any recommendations and decisions made in consultation with your client.
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work environment
Advisors typically work in an office environment. Whether you are employed by a company, a consultancy, or self-employed, you will typically work in teams with other professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, or other specialists, to provide comprehensive advice to your clients.
You may also spend time visiting your clients in their offices or homes to discuss their needs and provide advice. This can require a lot of travel and can be time-consuming, particularly if you are dealing with clients in different cities or regions.
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who are your colleagues?
As a professional who provides expert advice and guidance to clients, you work closely with a range of other professionals in related fields. These colleagues can include lawyers, accountants, finance analysts, business development managers, other advisors, and specialists in specific industries.
Lawyers are often important colleagues of advisors in India, particularly those who work in fields such as finance, real estate, or corporate law. If relevant to your field, you may work closely with lawyers to help clients navigate complex legal issues and to ensure that your advice is legally sound.
Accountants are another important group of colleagues. You often work with accountants to help your clients with tax planning, financial planning, and other related issues. Accountants can also provide valuable insights into a client's financial situation and help you develop strategies.
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work schedule
It is not uncommon for you to work long hours, particularly during peak business periods. If you become a financial advisor, for instance, you may have to work late hours during stock market volatility or at the end of the financial year when clients are making their tax-related investments.
You may also have to travel to meet with clients, attend industry events, or meet with colleagues in other cities or regions. This can require a significant amount of time spent away from home.
In terms of specific hours, you work 5 or 6 days a week, depending on your employer's policies and your clients' needs. You may work from an office, from home or from client sites depending on their preferences and requirements.
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job outlook
The job outlook for advisors in the country is generally positive, with growth expected in many fields. India is experiencing rapid economic growth, and as a result, demand for expert advice and guidance is increasing across many sectors of the economy is expected to rise.
Financial advisors, in particular, are in high demand as the country's rapidly growing middle class seeks guidance on investments, retirement planning, and tax management. The demand for financial advisors is expected to continue to grow with the economy.
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advantages of finding an advisor job through randstad
Finding your advisor job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an advisor is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Due to the nature of your role, there are no specific qualifications that apply across the board. That being said, advisors typically have a bachelor's degree in a topic related to their field. Some financial advisors may also have advanced degrees, such as a master's in finance or an MBA. In addition to academic qualifications, financial advisors are typically required to have professional certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
advisor skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an advisor include:
- effective communicator: you are able to build trust with your clients, communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, and build strong relationships with colleagues in related fields.
- analytical skillset: you evaluate complex data, analyse trends, and make informed recommendations based on that analysis. You pay close attention to detail to ensure that your advice is accurate and comprehensive.
- ethical behaviour: you are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. You put your client's best interests first and avoid any conflicts of interest that could compromise the advice you give. You must also maintain the confidentiality of the client's information and comply with all relevant laws and regulations regarding that confidentiality.
FAQs about working as an advisor
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of advisor.
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what types of advisors are in high demand?
As the economy in India continues to grow, financial advisors, legal advisors, real estate advisors, career advisors, and healthcare advisors are all in high demand.
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what academic qualifications are required to become an advisor?
The academic qualifications you need to become an advisor vary depending on your field of specialisation. Financial advisors typically have a bachelor's degree in finance or business administration, while legal advisors typically have a degree in law. Many other types of advisors may have a degree in a related field and professional certifications.
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what is the work environment like for advisors in India?
Advisors typically work in an office environment but may also spend time visiting clients at their offices or homes. Advisors may also have to work long hours during peak business periods and may need to travel frequently for work.
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what skills are needed to be a successful advisor?
Successful advisors need to have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Additionally, you need to be analytical and detail-oriented, adaptable and flexible, ethical, and committed to ongoing professional development. You also ensure you are up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field.
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how do you become an advisor?
Most advisors work in their chosen field first and use that experience to share knowledge. That's why an advisor undertakes professional development in their area of interest, starts in an entry-level advisory role and then works their way up to management positions.
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how do I apply for an advisor vacancy?
Applying for an advisor job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!