Career Advice Archive

Cultivate patience and time management skills

After graduating, Hill Yu Yee-fung joined a US-based bank as a business and portfolio analyst. As the long working hours left him little time for family and friends, he started thinking twice about whether the job was right for him. He eventually left, but things took a turn for the better when a friend introduced him to the “AXA Associates” professional training programme, which is designed for people with financial industry experience who want to become financial consultants. Now an AXA financial planner, Yu talks to Wong Yat-hei.

What’s your academic background?
I graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology in 2008, with a major in physics and mathematics.

How do you start your day? 
I start my day by organising my schedule, because I think time management is the heart of my daily work. Then I meet with my managers and listen to them share their experience with clients and teach me how to arrange my work and handle client issues. After my morning session, I go out to meet clients myself.

What does your job entail?
My main duty is to help clients manage their wealth, and I serve both individuals and corporates. For the former, I look into their financial status, and help them plan for the future. I help corporate clients retain their staff with more generous packages. I help corporates with limited budgets to offer more bonus to their staff, by advising them to invest. I also provide corporates with updates on MPF. I keep a positive mindset at all times, which I believe is crucial to client servicing. I believe this is the first and very important step in maintaining a good relationship with clients.

What are the major challenges you’ve encountered so far?
One of the major challenges I have encountered so far was a claim case caused by a car accident. There were three car insurance policies from the three companies involved, and I had to co-ordinate between them to negotiate an appropriate amount.

My teammates offered their advice throughout the process. Finally, when my client received the claim that he was entitled to, he not only thanked us but also referred his family members and colleagues to us. This really helped boost my confidence and my desire to help each client as best as I can.

What have you learned about your career? What are your plans?
I think the most important thing I have learned is that patience and time management are key. Patience enables me to better listen and understand the thoughts and feelings of clients so that I am able to provide them with solutions tailored to their desired financial goals. And I use my time management skills to arrange my daily work more efficiently.

Any advice for those who are planning to enter your industry?
Find a role model or mentor. Have regular chats with them and follow their advice.