- 30.09.2021

Working as an advisor: anything but routine!

Do you feel energised by helping people turn their plans into reality? Do you find it easy to connect with others and love digital solutions? Perfect! You have what it takes to be a client advisor. It’s a varied job that allows you to develop your talents and offers great career prospects. That's Alexandre's opinion, at least.

Alexandre has been a Banking and Insurance Advisor at BNP Paribas Fortis’s Bascule branch in Brussels since March 2019. It’s a job he enjoys more and more every day!

Listening and showing empathy: crucial skills

"In my role, I'm the first point of contact for every existing or potential customer who comes into the branch or requests a meeting, in person or remotely," explains Alexandre. "I spend 80% of my time advising clients, depending on their problems, needs and wishes. For their day-to-day banking, insurance and investments. The key is to be empathetic, to put yourself in the client's shoes and listen carefully, so that you can offer them the solution that really suits them. I find it fascinating!"

“To Dare is to Do”

But there was nothing to suggest that Alexandre was destined for a job in banking. After obtaining a degree in political science and public relations, he started out as a communications consultant for almost a year and a half. But he didn’t manage to land a permanent contract.
"So, I changed focus," he explains. "I applied to several companies, and BNP Paribas Fortis gave me a chance. I had no commercial experience and I didn't know the banking sector very well, but I went for it anyway."

High-quality supervision

Alexandre has no regrets. "Honestly, the support is great. During the first two months, I took a training course with a small group of new recruits, which combined theory and practice. I got very regular feedback, because I was supervised by three experienced colleagues. I learned a lot in a short space of time. In total, the support lasts for a year, and I got additional training that allowed me to gain confidence and flourish in my new job."

A wealth of opportunities

In other words: you don't necessarily need a background in economics or finance to become a Banking and Insurance Advisor. It’s a profession that offers many career prospects according to Alexandre. "In this role, we cover many different areas. So we acquire a great deal of knowledge, and we can move into a specialist role in insurance or investments for example. Or have a complete change of direction! BNP Paribas Fortis is huge, and it's a company that encourages you to move to different roles within the group. So, it's entirely possible to move into areas like communications, data management and business advisory later on. There are a host of opportunities."

The rise of digital technology

In the post-Covid world, a lot of client meetings take place remotely. But according to Alexandre, everyone has adapted.
"Today, one in three meetings takes place via video call, and two out of three happen remotely," he explains. "Personally, I obviously prefer face-to-face contact. But digital tools are effective and remote meetings are going smoothly. Many clients are requesting them, in fact. And it allows me to work from home one day a week, which is good for my work-life balance."

Helping people make their plans a reality: does that appeal to you?

We're looking for Banking and Insurance Advisors to strengthen our local teams. Find vacancies near you and take a chance!