Securities America has launched a new scholarship program aimed at inspiring the next generation of financial advisors and giving them an “up close and personal” glimpse of the Securities America advisor community.
The firm, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc. in Omaha, Neb., has launched a “Link to the Future” program that gives scholarships to 30 college-aged students allowing them to pursue a career in the financial advice industry and attend Securities America’s Connect National Conference in New Orleans to be held June 3-6.
The program developed from discussions with Securities America advisors and their recent responses to a survey the firm conducted to gain insights into their views on industry trends and their own succession plans, the company said in a statement. Advisors said in the survey that helping develop the next generation of advisors was important to them.
“Link to the Future will enable us to forge new relationships with rising college students who have a passion for building their own businesses and making a positive difference in people’s lives through sound financial guidance,” said Janine Wertheim, Securities America senior vice president and chief marketing officer.
At the Connect conference, students will attend general sessions, as well as specifically tailored breakout sessions covering the basics of financial advice, Finra exams, career paths in financial services and the experience of working in the industry. They will also learn interview best practices and receive special one-on-one resume consultation.
In addition, Wertheim said, each student will be paired with an individual advisor who they can “shadow” through portions of the conference, look to for further clarity and insight on various conference topics and get to know over the course of the event, as well as stay in contact with after the conference ends.
“And for the sons and daughters of current advisors,” she said, “we believe that Link to the Future will provide the perfect catalyst to help them join the industry, so that they can take the reins when the time comes and build successful, truly multi-generational family businesses.
“This program,” she added, “is a natural extension of our work in helping advisors build multigenerational practices, since we already have a strong and successful network of parent/child businesses. Link to the Future will provide a special opportunity for more advisors who hope to build family-owned practices that stand the test of time by bringing their sons and daughters into the profession.”