Every paraplanner should consider being mentored or mentoring others, says Siân Davies Cole, co-founder of the Paraplanner Club and director of Snazzify.
Paraplanning has developed enormously over the past decade. What was once seen as a purely technical role is now recognised as a cornerstone of financial planning firms, combining analytical ability with communication skills and strategic thinking. Yet, despite this progress, many paraplanners can still feel isolated in their career development. This is where mentoring can make a real difference.
Mentoring is more than simply offering advice. At its best, it’s a relationship that provides support, guidance, and perspective. For paraplanners, who often work behind the scenes, having someone to talk through challenges and opportunities can be invaluable. A mentor can help you see your strengths more clearly, guide you through tricky situations, and encourage you to step outside your comfort zone.
Equally, being a mentor can be just as rewarding. Sharing your knowledge and experience not only benefits the mentee but also helps you reflect on your own journey. Many paraplanners find that teaching and guiding others reinforces their confidence and strengthens their professional identity.
The benefits for paraplanner mentees are:
- Career Development – Mentors can highlight opportunities for growth, whether that’s technical exams, soft skills training, or exposure to client work.
- Confidence Building – Regular conversations with a trusted mentor can help paraplanners speak up more confidently in meetings and contribute to firm-wide decisions.
- Perspective – It’s easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day. A mentor can help you to zoom out and see the bigger picture.
- Problem-Solving – Talking through case studies, tricky technical issues, or workload challenges with someone experienced can save time and reduce stress.
While mentees clearly gain a lot from mentoring, mentors themselves often experience growth too. Supporting someone’s development encourages you to reflect on your own journey and the skills you’ve built along the way. Listening to fresh perspectives from newer paraplanners can challenge assumptions and spark new ideas. And from a career standpoint, being a mentor demonstrates leadership – a valuable skill for paraplanners who want to progress into management, training, or broader strategic roles.
Firms that encourage mentoring also often see benefits, including improved staff retention, stronger team collaboration, and a more positive workplace culture. With quality paraplanners in high demand, creating an environment where knowledge is shared and people feel supported can be a real competitive advantage.
There are plenty of options available for paraplanners looking to explore mentoring. Professional bodies such as the CII/PFS and the LIBF run formal mentoring schemes open to financial services professionals, offering structured support and guidance.
For those wanting something designed specifically for paraplanners, The Paraplanner Club provides a dedicated free mentoring programme focused entirely on the needs of paraplanners. Whether you’re new to the profession or more experienced and looking to give back, this initiative creates a safe, supportive space to connect, share experiences, and grow.
You don’t need a formal programme to get started either – even an informal monthly coffee chat with a peer can provide huge value. But joining a community built around paraplanning can help ensure the support you receive is truly relevant to your role.
Mentoring is a two-way street. Whether you’re looking to be guided or to guide, investing in mentoring can transform not only your career but also the profession as a whole. For paraplanners it can be a powerful way to ensure the role continues to grow in influence, recognition, and impact.
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