Financial Advisor in Training

About the Role: 

Begin your journeyto becoming aFinancial AdvisorinBaird’sFinancial AdvisorTraining Program—a structured career development path designed to build confident, competent, and credible advisors. Through hands-on experience and required licensing,you’llmaster advancedtraining,andsales strategies,while integrating intoareal-world practice.You will have the opportunity to partner with experienced advisorteams,support client planning, and contribute tonewbusiness development while learning to deliveranexceptionalwealth management experience.

The ImpactYou’llMake:

Year 1:Practice Immersion (12 Months)TheinitialPractice Immersion year isa customizedentry point for participants, and will include the following, at minimum.

• Pass all required licensing (Series 7, 66, Life & Health) and train incoming Associate Financial Advisor/Client Specialist successors as applicable. 

• Prepare for, attend, and shadow senior advisors in client meetings and calls; take meeting notes and complete allfollow‑uptasks. 

• Memorialize and support the team service model and Standard of Care, including building performance reports. 

• Research investment solutions andassistsenior advisors withportfolio‑relatedanalysis and tasks. 

• Develop team marketing/branding and value proposition, and leadbrokerage‑to‑feeconversion conversations with clients.

Year 2:   Development (4-12 months)Participantsare required tobe fully licensed prior to entering year two, when they will focus on the Financial Advisor Training program curriculum. Participants willbe requiredto complete all virtual and in-person requirements and pass all skill and knowledge checks. Participantsare required tofurther pass a two-part comprehensive Capstone roleplayto progress in the program.

• Complete FATP curriculum 

• Deepen investment knowledge, technology, and planning skills

• Complete skill and knowledge checks

• Expand role in client meetings and planning processes

• Successfully pass Comprehensive Capstone Project

Years 3 & 4: Gain Essential Experience (24 Months)In years three and four, participants become Financial Advisor Associates and advance their experience andexpertise, while working to earn the title of Financial Advisor (FA). To earn the FA title, participants must meet qualifying criteria that include but are not limited to 1) clearly demonstrated ability to deliver the Baird Wealth Management Experience confidently, competently, and credibly, and 2) proven ability to grow the business through quality new client acquisitions. This includes the following.

• Complete Baird sales training and consistently achieve new client asset and revenue growth goals 

• Independently source, prospect, and close new business through networking, target markets, and referrals 

• Deepen existing client relationships byidentifyingand closingadditionalassets, including repricing andbrokerage‑to‑feeconversions 

• Lead holistic planning engagementsanddeliveringcomprehensive financial plans for HNW clients and prospects 

• Buildlong‑termgrowth through COI development,referraland NextGen campaigns, and independently running mid‑totop‑tierclient meetings

WhatYou’llBring to Baird:

• Bachelor’s Degree

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience prior to enteringthe four-year development path

• Currentlyhaveorability to obtainSIE, Series 7, Series 66 (or 63 and 65), and Life & Health Insurance

• Pursuit of advanced designations throughout the program preferred (AAMS, CFP, CDFA, CFA, CIMA, SPWA, CWS, TPCP)

• Entrepreneurial mindset withafocus on quality new client acquisition

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills

• Coachable and collaborative team approach

• Ability to build trusted relationships with clientsand team members