*Cathi is a finalist for the 2011 IWCYC Challenge - click here to read more*

I became interested in financial services while studying at University and was fortunate to secure a position in a financial advisers firm straight after completing my degree. I quickly identified a passion for the industry and recognised the level of change which is happening... The industry is being revolutionised and it's a really exciting time to be part of it. I quickly worked my way up to Paraplanner in a firm. The Paraplanner undertakes all the research and report writing, freeing up the advisers time to spend with their clients.

After doing this for a couple of years, I identified an opportunity to set up a business which enabled advisers to outsource their paraplanning needs. This enables them to benefit from paraplanning support without the commitment of hiring a full time, permanent employee. I decided to take the plunge and quit my job as a full time Paraplanner, sold my car to provide me with sufficient income to pay my mortgage for 3 months and set about creating Para-Sols. It was very scary, but very exciting and after almost two years I have now recruited two members of staff, have moved into offices in Darlington and won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award at the Women into the Network awards.

This has been one of my highlights of the past couple of years, with another highlight being my completion of the Chartered Financial Planner status; I am one of the youngest people in the country to achieve this prestigious title. I am incredibly passionate about my job and the business and also about promoting financial services. The industry is evolving and attracting younger people, as well as more women, and I have been working hard to promote this, speaking at schools and universities in the region.