Financial Advisor Development Program

Vanguard; Malvern (Chester County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Health savings account (HSA) match

Job summary

Vanguard offers a full-time rotational Financial Advisor Development Program designed to build foundational skills across advisor support, retail sales, and advice. You will develop the personal financial planning process while managing client relationships under mentorship.

The program includes CFP certification support and leadership development, with a start date in June 2027 and a strong focus on integrity and client outcomes. Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree with GPA 3.2+ preferred.
• CFP Board-registered program eligibility to sit CFP exam within 6 months from hire date.
• Successful completion of SIE exam prior to start date.
• Progress towards CFP exam highly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in academic, professional, or community settings; internship preferred.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a four-unit rotational program across advisor support, retail sales, and advice.
• Develop skills in the personal financial planning process.
• Pursue CFP certification through Vanguard-supported pathways.
• Build client relationships and manage portfolios under mentorship.

Skills

Leadership capabilities

CRM skills

Time management

Independent working

Education

Undergraduate degree with GPA 3.2+

CFP Board-registered undergrad/grad program eligibility to sit CFP exam

SIE exam completed

Progress towards CFP exam

Series 7 & 66 licenses progress

Tools

CRM systems

Licensing readiness (Series 7/66)

Job description

Take a stand for investors

At Vanguard, we're taking a stand for all investors. You can help us advance this mission by joining Vanguard as we strive to redefine the advice industry. Combining rigorous study and development opportunities with hands-on experience, Vanguard's one-of-a-kind Financial Advisor Development Program will lay the foundation needed for a rewarding career in financial planning. When you join Vanguard, you'll help steer the financial futures of our clients. Make it count!

In this full-time rotational program, you will

Receive comprehensive and hands-on exposure across four core business units, each designed to build critical skills and knowledge culminating in the ability to manage client portfolios and relationships independently. Rotations could include advisor and client support, retail sales, and advice.

Develop skills focused on the seven elements of the personal financial planning process as you become a successful Financial Advisor and put our clients on the path to investment success.

Receive robust mentorship opportunities and support from Vanguard CFP® professionals and senior management while building the network and leadership skills to prepare you for a career in Personal Investor Advice.

Achieve your CFP® certification experience requirement in two years through the CFP Board Apprenticeship pathway.

Advance your skill set and your career

Do you have the grit and determination to work and learn in a demanding, unique program? Then take the first step into the ever-changing field of financial planning. Your real passion for investing with integrity and drive to do what's right for our clients will propel you through the experience and help you gain your CFP® certification. We'll stand by you as you stand up for thirty million investors, worldwide.

What it takes

• Undergraduate degree required. Cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher preferred.
• Completion of the CFP Board-registered undergrad/graduate program, granting the eligibility to sit for the CFP® exam within 6 months from hire date, required.
• Successful completion of Securities Industry Essentials ("SIE") exam prior to start date, required.
• Progress towards preparation for or completion of the CFP® exam highly preferred.
• Learning agility to successfully pass the Series 7, and 66 (or equivalent licenses) within the time frame described in Vanguard's FINRA Licensing Policy by utilizing resources and support provided by Vanguard.
• Demonstrated leadership capabilities in academic, professional, or community settings. Industry internship preferred.
• Strong commitment for helping and educating clients as it relates to their investment portfolios and dedication to Vanguard's mission of providing them with the best chance for investment success.
• Support of Vanguard's overarching values of integrity, focus, and stewardship.
• Strong investment orientation and enthusiasm for advancing this knowledge on a continuous basis.
• Interest in providing asset management services.
• Excellent written, verbal, and Client Relationship Management (CRM) skills.
• Exhibit resilience and a positive attitude when faced with challenges and learning opportunities. Skillfully navigate ambiguous situations and embrace change.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member, balance multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and demonstrate exceptional time management skills.

Special Factors

Vanguard is not offering sponsorship for this role.

The start date for this program will be June 2027.

Total Rewards

• Pay for performance, including annual performance bonuses, merit increases, and an annual Partnership bonus.
• Industry-leading retirement savings plans: 401(k) contribution 55% above the national average.
• Quarterly 401(k) contribution of 10% of your eligible pay.
• At least 18 paid days off, plus 10 federal holidays.
• 77% of your medical costs are covered, compared to 68% by other financial services companies.
• Unparalleled Health Savings Account (HSA) seed and match - 5x the amount as other contributing employers.
• Top-tier programs for your emotional and mental health: Access to 2x more coaching and therapy sessions compared to other employers.
• A caregiving concierge program, something only one in five employers offer.

Special Factors

• Sponsorship Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.