Closing the Advisor Gap: Insights From the Onboarding Gen Z Study

Within the next decade, 37% of today’s advisors are expected to retire, leaving behind a critical need for new talent.¹  As seasoned professionals move up the ranks into vacated roles, firms and prospective new professionals — especially Gen Zers — are uniquely positioned to help bridge the talent gap.

To meet the demand for financial services professionals and replace talent lost to retirement and turnover, the industry will need to attract an estimated over 740,000 new hires over the next decade.² But first, the industry and firms need a better understanding of Gen Z’s career motivations and expectations to successfully attract and retain them.

We surveyed over 1,200 Americans ages 18 to 27 — including undergraduate college students and recent college graduates interested in financial services, as well as early-career professionals already working in the industry — about their expectations, motivations, and experiences in financial services. The findings provide a roadmap for industry leaders seeking to grow their teams.

Want more insights on this topic?

Check out this interview with College President and CEO George Nichols III, CAP^®.

Key Findings

According to the CFA Institute, Gen Zers consider finance their top industry choice.³ While a large portion of Gen Z may be eager to launch their careers in financial services, many say their early workplace experiences fall short. The College’s Onboarding Gen Z Study⁴ reveals:

• 1 in 3 Gen Zers feel their workplace onboarding is ineffective
• 1 in 4  Gen Zers feel their workplace training is ineffective
• 1 in 4 Gen Zers feel job expectations are unclear

These early experiences shape how the next generation of professionals views opportunity, workplace culture, and long-term growth in the industry. Notably, Gen Zers with financial services education, certifications, or internship experience report feeling far more prepared to succeed. This underscores the importance of enhancing recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding processes with clearer expectations and stronger support — ultimately making a meaningful difference for both employees and firms.

Taken together, the findings reveal a generation that’s driven, adaptable, and eager to lead, but looking for clearer guidance and stronger support as they launch their careers. Explore the full study to see what today’s emerging professionals value most, and how firms can better attract and retain Gen Z talent.

See the Full Study

More Research From The College

• Gain insights for uncertain markets with our Advising Through Uncertainty Study
• See key takeaways from our Retirement Income Literacy Study
• Learn why comprehensive financial planners have an edge with clients in the Advisory Services Survey