Financial Advisor Development Program Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

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.

Once you complete a Financial Advisor Development Program (FADP), you can become a financial advisor or pursue another career in finance. These programs prepare you to become a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), and many employers typically require you to earn this accreditation. To qualify for this program, you must have a bachelor's degree in finance, business, accounting, or a related field, though some programs accept students who are still in college and meet grade point average (GPA) and knowledge requirements. After training, you need to pass the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) exams. Many financial services companies hire FADP program participants internally and assign them responsibilities in the area in which they excelled during the program.