Financial advisor training programs prepare graduates to assist clients with money management.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, notes that financial advisors provide assistance to clients in areas such as investing, insurance and wealth management. Most have bachelor's degrees in fields such as accounting or finance. Prospective financial advisors undergo additional training sponsored by the institutions at which they work. The BLS states that financial advisors will typically earn the licenses required to buy or sell stocks and insurance products as part of the training process.
Wells Fargo Financial Advisor Training & Development
Wells Fargo offers a 36-week training program for new financial advisors. While in training, candidates take licensing exams and learn about the financial services company's products and services. They also develop sales skills by working through client scenarios. During a subsequent 12-week apprenticeship period, trainees must open 24 new accounts. The program culminates with a return to the firm's St. Louis, Mo., headquarters to earn the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, or CRPC, designation. This designation prepares new financial advisors to work with pre- and post-retirement clients.
Raymond James Advisor Trainee Program
The Raymond James advisor trainee program lasts 39 months and students complete training at branch offices and at the company's headquarters. While in training, students are provided with materials needed to prepare for licensing exams and provided eight weeks of dedicated study time. After passing the exams, students spend time at corporate headquarters in Florida, learning about investment strategies and build client relationships. Trainees then return to their branch offices to work on their business plans and put what they've learned into practice. A follow-up session at headquarters gives trainees a chance to polish their business plans and learn about additional company products and services.
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Training Programs
Edward Jones offers three financial advisor training programs. The traditional program is geared toward recent college graduates with business backgrounds. The apprentice program is for college graduates who do not have financial services experience. The third program, known as Practical Applications of Service and Solutions, or PASS, is geared towards individuals with college degrees who wish to pursue financial advising as a second career. The specific curriculum varies for each program, but all participants are taught skills in marketing and promotions, and also undergo study for the Series 7, Series 66 and insurance licenses.
UBS New Financial Advisor Development Program
UBS offers a training program for financial advisors with varying amounts of prior experience in finance or banking. Trainees begin the program with a 12-week session held at a UBS branch. The first phase of training is focused on core wealth management. Next, trainees learn prepare and present client proposals by way of one-on-one coaching and intensive group sessions. The third phase of the training program is centered on relationship management; trainees work on a business and marketing plan and learn best build long-term relationships with clients during an 8-week session. Finally, trainees receive one week of additional coaching and practice before starting work with clients.
Tags: financial advisors, training program, branch offices, business plans, college graduates