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Financial Advisor in Training

Baird · Eau Claire, WI · Full time

Posted Jun 16, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Why do you want to become a financial advisor, and why through a structured training path rather than starting on your own?

What they are checking: Whether their motivation fits a multi-year development program with real accountability.

Tell me about a time you had to learn something complex quickly and use it in front of other people.

What they are checking: Whether they can absorb new material and apply it under observation, like shadowing senior advisors.

Tell me about a time you were told no repeatedly and kept going.

What they are checking: Whether they have the persistence that early advisor careers require.

What does acting in the client's best interest mean to you when you also have growth goals?

What they are checking: Whether they put client care ahead of sales, which Baird's Standard of Care asks for.

What would you do

You will need to pass the Series 7, Series 66 and Life and Health exams. How will you fit that studying around a full workload?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan to pass licensing, which the whole program depends on.

You are taking notes in a client meeting with a senior advisor. What do you capture, and what do you do after the meeting?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that follow-through after meetings is a core part of client service.

How would you start building your own client base in Eau Claire over the next few years?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan for business development in a smaller community.

If a senior advisor asks you to build a performance report and the numbers look wrong, what do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they question data and raise concerns instead of passing on errors to clients.

About the work

How would you explain to a long-time client why moving from a brokerage account to a fee-based account could make sense?

What they are checking: Whether they can lead brokerage-to-fee conversations honestly, focused on what serves the client.

What is the difference between a stock, a bond and a mutual fund in plain language?

What they are checking: Whether they have a foundation in investment basics they can build on.

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The full job description

As published by Baird.

About the Role: Begin your journey to becoming a Financial Advisor in Baird’s Financial Advisor Training Program—a structured career development path designed to build confident, competent, and credible advisors. Through hands-on experience and required licensing, you’ll master advanced training, and sales strategies, while integrating into a real-world practice. You will have the opportunity to partner with experienced advisor teams, support client planning, and contribute to new business development while learning to deliver an exceptional wealth management experience. The Impact You’ll Make: Year 1: Practice Immersion (12 Months) The initial Practice Immersion year is a customized entry 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 all follow‑up tasks. • Memorialize and support the team service model and Standard of Care, including building performance reports • Research investment solutions and assist senior advisors with portfolio‑related analysis and tasks • Develop team marketing/branding and value proposition, and lead brokerage‑to‑fee conversion conversations with clients Year 2: Development (4-12 months) Participants are required to be fully licensed prior to entering year two, when they will focus on the Financial Advisor Training program curriculum. Participants will be required to complete all virtual and in-person requirements and pass all skill and knowledge checks. Participants are required to further pass a two-part comprehensive Capstone role play to 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 and expertise, 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 by identifying and closing additional assets, including repricing and brokerage‑to‑fee conversions • Lead holistic planning engagements and delivering comprehensive financial plans for HNW clients and prospects • Build long‑term growth through COI development, referral and NextGen campaigns, and independently running mid‑ to top‑tier client meetings What You’ll Bring to Baird: • Bachelor’s Degree • Minimum 3 years of professional experience prior to entering the four-year development path • Currently have or ability to obtain SIE, 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 with a focus on quality new client acquisition • Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills • Coachable and collaborative team approach • Ability to build trusted relationships with clients and team members #LI-PWM3 Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

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