Associate financial planner Alex Ling was a chef before becoming a financial planner, having become interested in economics and finance at secondary school. His chance to join the industry came when he met Matthew Lui, his team leader at AIA. Ling and his family faced emotional and financial difficulties when his father passed away, prompting him to consider the importance of insurance. He talks to Wong Yat-hei  

What’s your academic background?
I was a Form Five graduate. After that, I took various courses in investment. Then I ran into Matthew Lui, the teacher of my English course, and he invited me to join his team.

How do you start your day? 
Every morning, I attend training sessions to learn sales skills and product knowledge. I also handle paperwork for clients who apply for compensation. After lunch, I meet clients. I usually spend time at night preparing proposals for them.

What does your job entail?
I’m responsible for advising clients on life and medical insurance. I also work with Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) and fund investment. I provide long-term solutions to help clients handle their money and reach their life goals.

What are the major challenges you have encountered so far?
I am quite young, so some clients may think that I am not too credible. But I believe that serving with sincerity will help me gain clients’ trust. As a newcomer, I have limited sources for new clients. But I am keen to give advice to my friends on how to handle their finances and I hope they will refer me to others.
  
What are your plans?
My short-term goal is to have an annual income of no less than HK$150,000. Matthew Lui is my role model and my long-term goal is to have my own team and contribute to the society like him. I hope I can help the younger generation develop the correct attitude towards financial planning.

Any advice for those who plan to enter your industry?
A passion for insurance is the most important factor. You need to learn continuously and pay attention to the news to develop in this career. Adopting and maintaining a positive and proactive mindset is also highly recommended.