I've been working in trust services for just over two years.

I was promoted to my current position from an internship for military veterans.

As part of my internship, I conducted informational interviews with key leaders in my line of business.

One of those leaders is a senior executive I'll call "Bill." Bill is a military veteran and law school graduate managing some of my firm's largest client relationships.

These are the 3 simple pieces of advice Bill gave me to advance my career, and I recommend them to anyone just getting started:

Advice #1: Read Broadly

This tip shouldn't have surprised me, but it did. Successful clients come from varying backgrounds, and you never know what topic or insight might resonate with someone. Reading widely expands your conversational range, allowing you to connect easily with more people.

Advice #2: Master Your Public Speaking Skills

Despite practicing law before pivoting to financial services, Bill confided that his reputation as a skilled presenter was crafted after his law career and a product of "Devoting a season of my life to mastering that one skill, like learning an instrument." Bill insists that anyone can become a compelling communicator if they devote themselves to the craft.

Advice #3: Earn the CFA Charter

I might have put this tip at the top of the list. Bill emphasized that while being well-read and persuasive are powerful multipliers, earning the CFA Charter is the single best thing you can do to advance your career as a fiduciary investment manager. You can learn more about the CFA program here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/en/programs/cfa/charter

I'm grateful someone shared these 3 things with me early in my career.

I'm glad I can pass them along to you.

What advice were you given that made a difference in your early career?