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Financial Advisor Development Program Jobs in Illinois

Financial Advisor

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a ... Our award-winning training programs equip you with the education, skill-building, and development ...

Financial Advisor

Naperville, IL · On-site

$61K - $250K/yr

Overview Becoming a financial advisor at Northwestern Mutual is a unique opportunity to start a ... Our award-winning training programs equip you with the education, skill-building, and development ...

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Showing results 1-20

Financial Advisor Development Program information

See Illinois salary details

$34.9K

$99K

$139.5K

How much do financial advisor development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for financial advisor development program in Illinois is $98,971.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,700.00 and $126,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a Financial Advisor Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Financial Advisor Development Program, you generally need a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field, strong analytical abilities, and foundational knowledge of investment principles. Familiarity with financial planning software (like eMoney or MoneyGuidePro), CRM systems, and obtaining licenses such as the Series 7 and 66 are typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and resilience make candidates stand out when building client relationships and navigating challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively guiding clients, complying with industry regulations, and achieving long-term success in financial advisory roles.

What Is a Financial Advisor Development Program?

A financial advisor development program (FADP) prepares new employees for a career in financial planning. These professional development programs, operated by financial planning firms and companies, provide training to recent graduates and those new to the industry who want to work as financial planners. In these programs, you learn how to provide investment planning and wealth management services to clients through hands-on experience in advising and client relations and mentorships with experienced Certified Financial Planners (CFPs). FADP participants usually perform entry-level or administrative duties in different departments or areas within a company while training to get a fuller understanding of the roles of various team members who contribute to the company.

What is a Financial Advisor Development Program?

A Financial Advisor Development Program is a structured training initiative offered by financial institutions to prepare individuals for careers as financial advisors. Participants typically receive a combination of classroom instruction, mentorship, and hands-on experience in areas such as investment strategies, financial planning, and client relationship management. These programs are designed to help aspiring advisors develop the knowledge, skills, and certifications required to succeed in the financial services industry. Completion of the program often leads to placement as a full-time financial advisor within the organization.

What is the difference between Financial Advisor Development Program vs Financial Planner?

AspectFinancial Advisor Development ProgramFinancial Planner
CredentialsEntry-level certifications, such as Series 7, Series 66, or CFP prepTypically holds CFP certification or similar credentials
Work EnvironmentTraining programs within financial firms, focusing on client acquisition and salesIndependent or firm-based, providing comprehensive financial planning services
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by financial firms to train new advisorsUsed by financial planning firms and independent practitioners
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry pathways into financial advisingSeeking detailed financial planning services or career info

The Financial Advisor Development Program is a training pathway for aspiring financial advisors, focusing on skill development and firm-specific training. In contrast, a Financial Planner is a professional who provides comprehensive financial planning services, often with advanced certifications. The program prepares individuals for a career in financial advising, while Financial Planners typically serve clients directly with tailored financial strategies.

What can I expect from the mentorship and training structure in a Financial Advisor Development Program?

Most Financial Advisor Development Programs offer a blend of classroom learning, online modules, and hands-on experience under the guidance of seasoned advisors. You’ll typically be paired with a mentor who provides ongoing feedback, helps you build client relationships, and supports you through licensing exams. This collaborative environment not only accelerates your learning curve but also helps you develop essential skills in client communication, portfolio management, and compliance. Regular check-ins and performance reviews are common, ensuring you stay on track to achieve both short-term milestones and long-term career goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois? For Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Financial Advisor Development Program jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Financial Advisor Development Program jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Financial Advisor Development Program job openings:

Advisor Development Program - Financial Solutions Advisor Trainee - Northbrook Financial Center

Bank of America

Wilmette, IL • On-site

$28.85 - $33.65/hr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Merrill Wealth Management is a leading provider of comprehensive wealth management and investment products and services for individuals, companies, and institutions. Merrill Wealth Management is one of the largest businesses of its kind in the world specializing in goals-based wealth management, including planning for retirement, education, legacy, and other life goals through investment advice and guidance.
Merrill's Financial Advisors and Wealth Management Client Associates help clients pursue the life they envision through a personal relationship with their advisory team committed to their needs. We believe trust comes from transparency. Our trusted advisory teams are equipped with access to the investment insights of Merrill coupled with the banking convenience of Bank of America.
Merrill is committed to an in-office culture with specific requirements for office-based attendance and which allows for an appropriate level of flexibility for our teammates and businesses based on role-specific considerations.
At Merrill, we empower you to bring your whole self to work. We value diversity in our thoughts, business, and within our employees and clients. Our Wealth Management team represents an array of different backgrounds and bring their unique perspectives, ideas and experiences, helping to create a work community that is culture driven, resilient, results focused and effective.
As an Advisor Development Program Financial Solutions Advisor Stage I (ADP FSA I), your journey begins obtaining your Securities Industry licenses, where you receive dedicated study time for your Securities Industry Essentials [SIE], Series 7 and Series 66 Exams. Once you obtain your licenses, you will be taught the foundational skills needed to be an advisor - from acquiring, building and managing client relationships to considering a client's complex financial picture and guiding them with advice and solutions to help them live their best financial lives, all while humanizing financial interactions. Once you have reached your key milestones, you will begin working in a financial center where you will help to deliver Bank of America's core banking, investment solutions and approach to client care. We will equip you with everything you need as you move through the stages of development.
Once you have demonstrated success as a licensed ADP Financial Solutions Advisor Stage I, you will typically progress onto the next stage of ADP as a Merrill Financial Solutions Advisor (MFSA). In that role you will transition to a local Merrill Wealth Management office and continue to practice the skills you've learned in ADP by beginning to build a new portfolio of affluent and high net worth clients. As a successful MFSA, you will then have the opportunity to progress further within ADP with the ultimate aim of becoming a core Merrill Financial Advisor. The Academy will support you along the way with dedicated programs, tools and resources throughout your career journey.
This position is subject to SAFE Act registration requirements. Pursuant to the SAFE Act requirements, all employees engaged in residential loan mortgage originations must register with the federal registry system and remain in good standing. Since your position requires SAFE Act registration, you will be required to register and to submit to the required SAFE Act background check and registration process. Failure to obtain and/or maintain SAFE Act registration may result in your immediate termination.
Required skills:
  • Sets and accomplishes goals, achieving whatever you put your mind to.
  • Is comfortable in a sales role, finding ways to nurture strong relationships with prospective clients.
  • Communicates clearly and confidently with clients from all walks of life.
  • Works well with others and collaborates productively to get things done.
  • Can manage complexity, prioritize tasks and execute in a fast-paced environment.
  • Likes to learn on your feet, adapting to new information and seeking the right solutions for clients.
  • Efficiently manages your time and capacity.
  • Is thorough and will incorporate relevant regulatory due diligence into daily to-do's and long-term strategies for clients.

Desired skills:
  • Strong computer skills with an ability to multitask in a demanding environment.
  • A bachelor's degree, or 1-2 years' experience working in the financial service industry and/or a sales environment where goals were met or exceeded.
  • Experience assessing client needs, identifying/recommending solutions, and building/managing client relationships.

Shift:
1st shift (United States of America)
Hours Per Week:
40
Pay Transparency details
US - IL - Wilmette - 171 Green Bay Rd (IL2240)
Pay and benefits information
Pay range
$28.85 - $33.65 hourly pay, offers to be determined based on experience, education and skill set.
Predictable pay
This role is compensated with a base salary and is not incentive eligible.
Benefits
This role is currently benefits eligible. We provide industry-leading benefits, access to paid time off, resources and support to our employees so they can make a genuine impact and contribute to the sustainable growth of our business and the communities we serve.